It's ironic that after I gave "Cocoa" our two tone '68 280 SE a lube job (hitting points described in the OM lubrication diagram) that she should, independently, develop a squeaky derriere. When you push down on the rear corners, and, unfortunately when driving around I am sad to say, it reminds me of early Disney films without the swing beat...
Is there some typical lube point I need to be made aware of?

I'll look around tomorrow, but somebody out there must be experienced in these matters....

Basil

Mr basil. I do not even remember if your car has a rear sway bar. The bushings of it at points of contact might be worth looking at. The bushings or whatever can wear so bad you have steel on steel even. Somehow though I think that is not your problem. Yet if you get the squeek by pushing on either rear corner the sway bar is common to both sides. Do you have the fifth coil spring on your particular rear axel? I have not seen one of those for ages and cannot remember when they stopped using them.
Getting a young fellow to lay on the ground and listen when you exercise each corner can help identify the source of the squeek sometimes as well.
I am not experienced in these matters with mercedes yet your type of problem applies to all brands of cars. You have not introduced any new things into the trunk reciently have you?

The trunk is used all the time. Nothing outrageously heavy. Mostly tools for the current project....

I still haven't listened, but I like the assistant idea. Another technique I like is using a listening tube to pinpoint locations of noises. Works especially well in the cacaphony of the engine compartment.

I remember the first day I drove that car and only listened to the unfamiliar yet pleasant purr of the engine. I still enjoy that smoothness of engine, yet now my attention is distracted by the tiny clicks of the valves and the gentle background noise of the various bearings, the tire tread interaction with the surface, etc. I suppose this phase too will pass, once I have actually gone through most of the working systems and only odd noises will distract me from the very enjoyable experience of driving a real car, one designed for pleasure as much as utility.

The squeaks really are annoying.

Thanks,

Basil

I feel your pain, Mr. B. The symphony of noises made by my 220 keeps me on my toes at all times. One by one, I'm trackin' 'em down...

Good luck!

__________________
Carmody
Wichita, Kansas USA
Air Capital of the World


1968 220 (my first MB!)

My '71 280SE does the same thing - I suspect the rubber spacers under the coil springs have squeezed themselves out and the squeaking is the bottom of the spring moving in its mount.... try hitting the ends of the springs w/ some water. My squeaks seem to go away when it's wet.

-Eric

I too had a similar noise, did a lube, and repaced the cushions under and on top of the coil springs, quited the car down quite a bit.

Regards,

Dave
71 280SE 3.5