'88 560 SL, grinding noise rear wheel
 

I have a 1988 560 SL with 137,000 miles on it. Engine and tranny are GREAT!! The problem I have is with the driver rear wheel/bearing/axle/WHATEVER. There is a grinding noise coming from the driver rear wheel that is intermittent and seems to correct when the vehicle has been driven for a while but reoccurs at any time. Honestly it sounds like I am dragging a concrete block. At first I thought the muffler was dragging but on inspection there was nothing hanging down. I was told the sway bar link could have broken and is rubbing the rotor but this wasn't happening. I also suspected wheel bearings but was told this almost never happens on this model. I was also told it could be the parking brake but nothing happens when I engage it. It doesn't sound like a wheel bearing (it grinds and scrapes instead of roaring) but when taking the load off(turning right) the noise subsides. I would like to have some idea of my problem before turning the car over to a HIGH priced Mercedes mechanic. Thanks, Mike.

Brake pads worn out?

there has to be some evidence of scraping on the inside of the left rear wheel.unless you have access to a lift i would suggest that when you jack up the left rear of car that the wheel now falls enough to clear the offending part.take off left rear wheel and examine very closely.