Well, here is the latest. The current mechanic says that the rear axles need to be replaced and new bearings installed -- dry, cracked, rusted are adjectives used. Says the left one for sure, the right one can stay for awhile. Quoting $831 for new axle, bearings and labour (left side only).

I have been thinking about selling this car. Dealerships have offered a very low price as a trade, so if I trade it to them I am not inclined to do the work. I have not gotten a serious offer from advertisements in the newspaper (would probably do the work if selling to an individual -- or at least tell such a person ahead of time and reduce car price accordingly). Further, I hate to put the money into this work only to find that the noise persists (since the car probably needs this work anyway, its not one of those situations where you can make a deal with the mechanic that if it the noise persists you don't have to pay). Thoughts?

I'll let you know what happens.

__________________
Dan

1986 560SL (52.5k miles) sold 11/24/04

1987 560sl (55.6k miles)