strange thumping
 

Hi, My 1986 300e has a strange thump thump thump sound coming from front drivers side wheel. At first I thought it was a flat because that's what it sounded like but no flat. So I got under the car and looked things over but nothing seemed broken. Any one have ideas of what it could be?

Could be a busted belt (in the tire), a "goose egg", or similar. Or, a large bolt or other foreign object stabbed into the tread.

You want to:

1) NOT drive it until you:
2) Take the wheel off and fully inspect the:
3) Tire, brake rotor, brake mechanicals, and the rest of the important stuff.

Jack up that wheel and spin the tire by hand. Look for un-round areas in the tire as mentioned. Tires do go bad, especially low profile ones after they hit just about anything.

I had this very same situation this weekend on the left rear of my W124. I found that a flat spot or broken belt had formed and now there is a huge cup where the steel belts are showing and the tread is separating. I ordered new tires from Tire Rack and they should be at my house tomorrow. :)

I first noticed the problem when I would turn right and the whole car would wobble too and fro like a fat goose. :P

If it happens in curves or turning corners, suspect collapsed motor mount.

There's also the possibility the HVAC fan is hitting the box it's in.