This original, never touched, radio suddenly bacame very loud even at the lowest volume (never went completely to zero even when working well). Now very loud and only left speakers are working. Was intermittant for a while, but now continuous, even at lowest volume setting.

Is there a simple test or a simple fix?

What is the best source of instructions for pulling radio and testing? Or replacing, if need be.

The only reason I would consider fixing this radio is just to keep the car stock.

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240D '81 265K
300SDL '87 81K

Got the same problem

Becker had the wisdom to design a radio that would compensate for the original owner's eventual deafness.

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

Hey there rs899, looking at your list, you seems about as afflicted as me with old car syndrome. My eclectic list includes a Citroen ('52) and a couple of Mercedes, Fiat, Jag (70 E-type), LaSalle (38), Oakland (28), etc.

The Becker seems old enough that it could be related to probably a worn pot on the volume/on-off knob. When I put it through a full range of motion a time or two, it settles down and works OK sometimes. Does that seem logical to anyone?

I'll check it out when I get time and inclination one of these months. The leaking front seal has priority though. The broken pulley on the front of the crank was a significantly bigger project.

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240D '81 265K
300SDL '87 81K

I'm having the same problem with my radio. Did anyone figure out a solution to this issue? I have tried cycling through the volume several times with no effect. The issue just started randomly - I parked and shut off the car with the radio left on at a reasonable level and when I restarted a few hours later I was deafened...

Mine had this problem a few months ago. Loud volume deteriorated to loud static. Followed by not being able to turn the radio off. I'm driving with a pulled fuse till I get another radio. I'm leaning toward one with blue tooth so I can do hands free cell phone.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

I had the same issue; radio was loud at any volume adjustment.

I fixed the issue today. I took the radio out, opened it up, and resoldered the joints. Volume works perfectly now and it also fixed an issue I had with the cassette deck : )