What can this be? 1980 300TD. When coming to a full stop slowly, I am experiencing a dreadful front end vibration from about 1.5mph down to 0. Braking is otherwise smooth. Feels almost like a manual would feel if you stopped the car without pressing the clutch in. Except it doesn't stall out.

Hint (though always possible to be unrelated): I just did LCA bushings, thrust rod bushings, and got an alignment. It IS aligned and goes straight and smooth.

Thanks in advance,
Ken

Taking a shot in the dark...
Transmission issue? Fluid level? Last time trans filter replaced?
Checked condition of vacuum hoses.
Brakes? Chattering? Recent brake work? Have you checked brake wear?

Need more info..

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92 300D 2.5L OM602 OBK #59

You're sure it is from the front of the car?

That almost sounds like the classic low speed rear brake problem that arises from improperly installed caliper pistons, shims or no shims. I have not experienced it on my car. But, I have seen and heard it on others. The shudder and noise goes through the entire car at VERY low speeds (parking lot speeds).

Other wise I would be looking at the front suspension and tires. Especially if the car is braking good at speed (IE: no weird vibrations under heavy braking).

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

I would take it back to the Shop and let them Test Drive it and see if they have an explaination. (If the try to sell you someother work besides what the already did I would leave.)

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

this sounds exactly like mine did before I changed the guide rod bushings...

We're not much help are we? (just replace everything)...

Follow Post #4's advice.

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

One of my thoughts was transmission as well, but the fluid and filter are really quite new (3k miles?) and I checked the level and it's good and clean looking fluid--also just seems like too much of a coincidence that it would start up immediately after I mess with a whole bunch of front end stuff (possible still, of course--but it's moved to the back of the mind).

I'm going to get tires checked out tomorrow. I couldn't put my finger on it but something seemed just not quite right to me when I had them off. They've only got about 3-5k on them as well, Pirellis...if they're bad it might shed light on an underlying issue.

What about a wheel bearing? Is that a reasonable possibility? I've wiggled the wheel and found no play but there is a friction-ish sound coming from there...and has been for a while...

Keep throwing out the ideas and I'll keep y'all posted.

Thanks,

B

pirellis kinda suck. found alot of them fail road force on the balancer. if you had the suspension work done at a shop, take it back for a road test. if the shop is honest (some are) don't leave if they say you need more work. ask them to explain what is going on with your car. i have seen alot of a$$ #ole$ that assume we are trying to screw them when we tell them their car needs repairing. many mechanics enjoy fixing cars and take pride in their work. they aren't trying to screw anyone, just make the car safe and reliable.

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1984 300TD "MAX" 303K+ still going...
fast '70 Chevelle 200k+
home built Shovelhead chopper

Dependent on what sort of vibration, I would think of engine / trans mounts & dampers

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

I don't know much about the 80 TD but
I replaced EVERYTHING on my front end

and had a little bump shake thing at a very low speed afterwards

turns out I didn't tighten down the shocks quite enough

I guess they kinda "jounced" on the rubber mounts on top and bottom

before the shock piston could cycle
tightened them up and it when away

If it is coming from the rear
do you have those rear stabalizer bar end links on your car?

I don't know if you you do but they are plastic and when they go bad

they clunk or shimmy at low speeds

Over torqued wheel bolts? Mine were on my 85 300D and apparently caused warped rotors. Car had a back and forth movement when slowing to a stop. Very noticeable coming to a stop at the bottom of a hill. I had the pads and rotors replaced and the problem went away.

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1985 300D Turbo
"Evolution is God's way of giving upgrades" Francis Collins

Try a simple test - does this happen when you coast to stop with out braking? If it does then I guess it won't be warped discs (unless they are binding).

I'm pretty sure I have found the problem: front bearings are TOAST. lotsa wiggle on the left it turns out and lotsa shiny metal in the grease I wiped out of there. New bearing kits ordered, this oughta fix it.

THANKS!

KenB

When in doubt!

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel