1998 ML320 CLUNK noise, help ! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

scalper · #1 04-09-2009, 01:51 AM

So i just purchased a 1998 ML320 for my wife, higher mileage, but I felt it was a good deal and it seems to be with the exception of 1 little (or maybe BIG) problem ... it runs like a sewing machine, fires right up, quiet, drives great except when going off a dead stop, if I accelerate a little too quickly, there is a loud CLUNK and a jolt, then it keeps going and smooths out. I can replicate this problem every time by just giving a little gas off a stoplight and it wont do it if I ease in really softly.

tranny mount? u-joint? anything guys? please help, its my first mercedes and I am not used to this sort of thing, I hope I didnt buy a lemon

mbdoc · #2 04-09-2009, 08:16 AM

Sounds like transfer case chain.

scalper · #3 04-09-2009, 09:37 AM

every other problem I have read on this board and others involving the transfer case is when turning at low speeds, this isnt a turning issue, it seems to do it from any stop. I cant find anyone with an identical problem, but similar ones all pointed to either the u-joints, cv joints, or carrier bearing.

it is a pretty big clunk, you can hear and feel it, seems to come from just about under the center console and only when accelerating too fast from a dead stop, I can gun it from 10mph, 20mph, whatever, just have to really baby it from a standstill to avoid what sounds like a potentially damaging problem.

azinn · #4 04-09-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scalper

every other problem I have read on this board and others involving the transfer case is when turning at low speeds, this isnt a turning issue, it seems to do it from any stop. I cant find anyone with an identical problem, but similar ones all pointed to either the u-joints, cv joints, or carrier bearing.

it is a pretty big clunk, you can hear and feel it, seems to come from just about under the center console and only when accelerating too fast from a dead stop, I can gun it from 10mph, 20mph, whatever, just have to really baby it from a standstill to avoid what sounds like a potentially damaging problem.

For a few $$$'s your local dealer will be happy to tell you what the problem is for sure.
My 2 cents.

mbdoc · #5 04-09-2009, 11:48 AM

The transfer case chain is under a lot of stress as you try to accelerate.

FROM your description, that is the most likely problem.

Has the fluid in that case been changed?? was there any signs of metal in the OLD fluid?

scalper · #6 05-16-2009, 07:56 PM

have replaced front differential and carrier bearing and the problem has gotten better, yet persists.

going to try transfer case chain next