Thumping/vibration in rear on take off intermittently: e300 '95 with 208k

[chronometers]

Intermittently, I am getting some thumping or vibration from the rear passenger wheel area. It is intermittent when accelerating from a stop. It disappears after the first shift. It started over a year ago and is now occurring more frequently. It can be heard and felt in seat.

It almost feels like the right rear tire is bouncing on take off. Again, only some of the time.

I've replaced both flex discs in last 60k miles.

What should I check to diagnose?

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Hi Chris - I would go through your suspension and take a close look at the bushings. They could be close to wearing out and causing the vibration.

[Zulfiqar]

The pushing link bushings getting worn out can cause this noise and so can the subframe bushings, the pushing link takes quite a brunt when the car is moved from standstill.

[chronometers]

Thanks for responses.

I took the vehicle in for a free multi-point inspection at my local dealer. After describing the symptoms, the mechanic took one look, shook the drive shaft and said it is the Driveshaft Center Support Bearing. The dealer's cost is $747 to replace.

Looks like this will be a fun project for me and my local mechanic.

I do have the dealer do some maintenance work like brake fluid flush but do other projects myself or with my local mechanic.

I guess at around 200k miles, it makes sense to check the drive shaft bearing in addition to the flex disc

[Zulfiqar]

Originally Posted by chronometers

Thanks for responses.

I took the vehicle in for a free multi-point inspection at my local dealer. After describing the symptoms, the mechanic took one look, shook the drive shaft and said it is the Driveshaft Center Support Bearing. The dealer's cost is $747 to replace.

Looks like this will be a fun project for me and my local mechanic.

I do have the dealer do some maintenance work like brake fluid flush but do other projects myself or with my local mechanic.

I guess at around 200k miles, it makes sense to check the drive shaft bearing in addition to the flex disc

center support bearing for 747 dollars.

NICE - hope its a brand new driveshaft, because a 747 dollar center bearing better be served on a faberge egg on a silk tray with about 200 in change too.

[chronometers]

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

center support bearing for 747 dollars.

NICE - hope its a brand new driveshaft, because a 747 dollar center bearing better be served on a faberge egg on a silk tray with about 200 in change too.

Yes indeed!

Parts are only about $60 if using Genuine MB.

[RunningTooHot]

Don't do something dumb (like I once did when a young kid) and make sure to mark the two halves of the driveshaft for alignment. They are balanced as a unit.

Also, FWIR, the bearing itself should be in a neutral position before tightening the mounting bolts. (Meaning no stress or distortion in the rubber surrounding the bearing.)

[chronometers]

Originally Posted by RunningTooHot

Don't do something dumb (like I once did when a young kid) and make sure to mark the two halves of the driveshaft for alignment. They are balanced as a unit.

Also, FWIR, the bearing itself should be in a neutral position before tightening the mounting bolts. (Meaning no stress or distortion in the rubber surrounding the bearing.)

Thanks for the info.!