Fluttering noise on acceleration

[DanielG]

No -- but when it was put back together the noise was gone for a day (they had put some lubrication on the bearings) - so I am pretty sure the last diagnosis was correct. Had this been diagnosed correctly 18 months ago I would most certainly have fixed it and would have enjoyed the car just a little more -- it was already a lot of fun!

Ooh $830 a side. I know not every one is mechanically inclined. But I have found rebuilt axle shaft assembles anywere from $79 to 120 a side. They come with a life time warranty. My 380 actually has the same problem on the left side.

[Kebowers]

Being the unfortunate owner of an sl-600, and previous owner of 380 se(AMG engine) 500 sel and 560 sel (126's), I can assure you repair costs for the MB versions later than the 560sl are an order of magnitude higher.

It's really unusual for the axle shafts to fail in a way that causes the noise you describe. Very unusual for a driveshaft to fail in a manner that makes noise only at a specific speed.

Please note--both the driveshaft and rear axle shafts rotate at a speed directly related to road speed, not engine speed--they do not 'see' the gear at all. If you have a noise that is specific to a GEAR and engine speed--it is not the driveshaft or rear axle.

There HAVE been some instances of reverse clutch disks in the automatic transmission rattling at 1500RPM. There is a TSB on this. It will do this in all shift position except 'R'

Fix is renewing the inner plates of reverse clutch B3 and setting release clearance to minimum value.

I HAVE seen a loose hub attachment to the axle shaft though--and it will cause weird noises.

[DanielG]

Kebowers -- where were you two years ago?

I never thought that the costs of repairing the vehicle to be too much -- and $830 is a lot less than the cost of parts and effort thrown at the car during the 2 years of the problem-- and had I kept the car I would have done that repair. The car also was starting to get a slip in the transmission, had an oil seep that unfortionately dripped oil in such a manner that it burned on the engine and fouled the air inside the car, it needed a modicum of body work, a new soft top, the wheels were starting to peel clear coat ... etc. It was time for someone more enthusiastic to take it over (and I hope that happens).

I think you hit the problem on the head -- the problem should have occurred at all speeds and didn't and that is why no one could find it.

I do believe you that the newer SL's have costs that are much more and that was one reason I did not look for a newer MB (had thought of going to a CLK cab -- very nice cars).

I am still reading posts and consider myself an MB enthusiast. I have some accessories that I will probably offer on ebay next spring (when I clean the garage).

To all of you that have thought about this problem and offered solutions or commiseration - THANKS -- Keep those beautiful SL's of yours running strong!