Hey guys,


So I noticed today that while accelerating, I get a little vibration from the rear tires. I've been reading about possible causes of vibrations. However, mine seems a little different. My vibration happens during acceleration, it only seems to happen between 22-27mph. During that speed, it feels as if the rear tires are kind of going over a rough road. Not as much like the drivetrain is vibrating. Then again maybe that's what a drivetrain vibration feels like. Haha

I didn't notice it this morning. However, this morning I drove on the freeway and had to go about 85mph at one point to get around a car. I haven't exceeded 75 or so in a while. Also, it's been pretty normal temps outside until last night when it hit about 40 degrees and was about 50 or so this morning. Don't know if that could've had anything to do with it.

As soon as I can get a good jack, I'm going to try and swap the rear tires to the front and see if that helps to rule out tires.

I realized it seems to happen regardless of gear or engine speed. When I was driving home and the road was empty, I jerked the wheel a bit and did a little slalom. Oddly enough it seemed much less noticeable after that.

Based on what I have so far, does it sound like it's likely a tire issue? As soon as I can get under it I'm going to check the normal culprits. I was just wondering if I can get a head start on this based on what I have so far. Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks!

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1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D

Check driveshaft center bearing

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Cheers!
Scott McPhee

1987 300D

This is a good starting place. You need to get under the car and look for anything thats loose or worn. Driveshaft and flex couplings, differential mounts, axles, heck it could be as simple as loose CV joint bolts.

The greatest torque is applied at the lowest speeds. That whipping the car around seemingly changed its behavior indicates something isnt secured 100%.

x2

plus the u-joint

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Greg
2012 S350 BlueTEC 4Matic
2007 ML 320 CDI
2007 Leisure Travel Serenity
2006 Sprinter 432k
2005 E320 CDI
1998 SLK230 (teal)
1998 SLK230 (silver)
1996 E300D 99k, 30k on WVO
Previous:
1983 240D, on WVO
1982 300D, on WVO
1983 300CD, on WVO
1986 300SDL 237k, 25k on WVO (Deerslayer)
1991 350SDL 249k, 56k on WVO - Retired to a car spa in Phoenix
1983 380 SEC w/603 diesel, 8k on WVO
1996 E300D 351k, 177k on WVO

So I finally got under there and found that my driver side inner CV boot is torn and completely empty. Is this likely the cause of my vibration?

I'm researching it now. Should I be driving it like this?

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1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D

yes. Probably will just need to change the half shaft out.

I wouldn't drive it any more than I had to especially on long trips. You have bearings in the cv joint which will now be dry so they are on limited time life without the boot and the lube.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.