are my motor mounts failing? 202
 

I've been getting a steering wheel vibration (not from tires) that goes across rpm and speed ranges. The vibration is consistent across speeds. 140k and 10 years old, original mounts. Will one fail catastrophically if I don't repair beforehand? I SUSPECT mounts, but not sure. I just don't want one to break or something, and then I'm forced to tow it. I can't find a single thread on 202 mounts. Maybe they don' require replacement :P

I dont think they will fail suddendly and cause harm. Is more a subtle decline.

In my expirience the vib should be less as rpm is increased (if you wanna talk vib's, feel a diesel with a bad mount).

You might also want to take a look at trans mount and flex disks. Flex disk would be a prob if it failed during use.

Bad engine mounts usual first show themselves at idle, especialy since your car is a 4 cylinder. By there nature 4 cylinders are unbalanced and rough.

Well, then I would suspect flex disk as well, but it was replaced at 85k. That's 45k ago, but only 2 years ago. I'd be surprised if it has separated yet. Oh well, whatever it is, it ain't broke yet, so I won't fix it. Haha

Your mounts( http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1YI003BTU1YI00CGX1&year=1997&make=MB&model=C-230-001&category=All&part=Engine+Mount )are the same design as are used on my 99 E300.

Measure the height of the mount from the outer rubber ring to the inner rubber ring at teh top of the mount. It should be at least 13mm. If less, they are colapasing and need replacement. A 13mm bolt head is easiest to use to measure as is usually too tight under there to read a tape. If you can see the top of the mount you can lift the engine 1/4" and then look to see if the top of the mount is cracked or separated.

If they are good do yourself a favor and look at the trans mount and then the flex disk and make certain IT doesnt have any cracks developing. You DONT want that to fail under use and have the drive shaft flail around at 60mph. Does nasty things to the undercarriage right under your rump.:eek:

Having just replaced my mounts this week, I'd say it's time for yours too. Mine had collapsed a half an inch or so and it was very evident that something was wrong. You could especially feel it sitting still in reverse. As others are indicating, take a look at the flex disk and trans mount too.

Len
'99 E300TD 97,500 miles