1973 450 SLC rear axle noise

[jls368]

I would greatly appreciate some help with diagnosis of left rear axle noise.Upon left turns I get a light metal on metal noise(like a dragging brake) now if I accelerate slightly while making a left turn I get a full blown grating grinding noise. This is my first Mercedes so I have no idea what to check first and how to check it . I am going to put it up on stands in the rear now and I will check back every 1/2 hour for any insight into this problem . Help !!

[t walgamuth]

It sounds like a bad cv joint.

If that can be verified the half shaft must be changed. It is not the simplist thing but not too bad. A rebuilt half shaft is available for under $100 (for sedans, I suppose for the slc it may be the same), and its about three hours labor to change.

I have a bad one right now on my 83 240/300d. It is ok around town but if taken on the highway it will begin to screetch after a couple of hours. I am keeping the trips local til I have time to change it.

Good luck.

Tom W

[Lexxani]

I second Tom with the diagnosis of a CV joint. . .the pricing should be similar to that of the SE and the SLC, you'd have to check the EPC to verify if the parts are interchangable (im thinking the SE's shaft may be a hair longer). They are still available and not all too hard to find, order a new one through fastlane or contact SilverStar Recycling in california. . .

[GaryF]

Have you checked the fluid level in the diff?
I had a similar noise last year and limped the car home at 20mph, when I took the wheel off I found a pebble that my 4 year old son had kindly added to the car wedged between the wheel and brake caliper !
Needless to say he now leaves the stones on the drive.

[sjefke]

Probably CV joint, but also check basic wheel bearing and whether bolt and nuts are tight. Many grinding noises occur when bolts in axles, brakes, and wheels get loose allowing things to move against eachother.

Bert