Low speed shuddering problem. '86 190E 8v 255k
 

I have been rebuilding the suspension/drivetrain on my 190E over the past 6 months as I have the cash.

First I changed the diff with a used on due to a grinding noised whenever I let off the gas (5spd) or downshift.

That resolved the ginding noise but uncovered a thumping in the area of the center bearing.

So I had the prop shaft rebuilt and replaced the flex discs and center bearing.

That took care of the thumping but now I have a shuddering feeling coming from the floor between 5-15 mph, and I believe it comes back at higher speeds.

Also the grinding noise seems to be reoccuring in the rear. This sucks because it took me several hours to replace the diff, and I'd hate to remove it again.

One last thing, the trans mount looks to be shimed with about 5 washers on each of the two bolts. Could I have a driveline angle problem too?

BTW, this is the best place on the web. It has been my experience, since 9/86 when my dad bought this car, that most Mercedes mechanics, especially in So. Cal., are not willing to give you the slightest bit of info without $$$$$$.

You might take a close look at the driveshaft, most of the stick-shift cars have a vibration damper at the front & with a lot of miles these parts fail!!

To add to DOC, I have taken off a few and just tossed them. (Dampers).

Tossed them? Do you mean replace or remove completely? Are these the hard rubber flex discs you are talking about? I replaced those with the drive line rebuild.

Could bad drive line angle cause vibration?

Thanks for the replies.

Matt, you are talking about the FLEXDISC & I'm talking about a vibration damper on the D/Shaft just behind the front flex disc. MB doesn't show this part on some of their info, the number for your car should be 202-410-11-47 & list price is $120.

I don't have one of those. I don't think they put those on the manual trans. models. Yes, according to my W201 CDROM those are only on the automatic model.

My son drives a 1986 5-speed 190E 2.3 and I have a 1986 16V & 1987 190E 2.3 RACE cars & they all have this damper sooooooooo. NONE are automatics. & the auto driveshaft is different!

OK I know that you know a lot more than I. I'm sure we are talking about two different things. I'll put it on my lift and take a photo today.

Pictures speak a thousand words. What are these?

And this?