85 500 SEL Growling Transmission
 

I finally took my car to the shop to diagnos the growling sound I could hear when the car was moving. I thought it was rear wheel bearings or something from the rear end.

My mechanic said they could feel a vibration when they held the metal part of the shifter. They put it in the air with the engine running and in gear and went after it with a stethascope.

Apparently the sound is coming from the transmission. My mechanic said he will look for a used one but it will still cost a bundle (for me) to replace.

Does anyone have experience with this? Can I use heavier oil or an additive in the transmission? Should I go for a new transmission or find a used one?

Thanks for any advice.

Ray

Transmissions don't usually make noises and work. They make many sounds that are appropriate but sounding like a wheel bearing is not likely. It is likely that the trans mount is bad and with the trans sitting on the crossmember it might sound like a wheel bearing.

The mount is in good shape. The sound is from the tail shaft. The mechanic is going to remove the drive shaft and the housing (I think that's what he called it) and take a look at a bearing that's in there.

I was told this is a 3.5 hour job and may not be the problem.

Ray

I'm not sure if your situation lines up with the one I had a few months ago with a 126 gas car, but what Steve Brotherton just said fit my situation to a tee.

From a dead stand still, I'd accelerate and hear a grinding sort of sound. It was hard for me to tell exactly where it was coming from. Took it to a local independent MB repair shop and the owner noticed collapsed motor mounts. After he got it on the rack, he saw the tranny mount in about the same condition. You have 2 mounts up front for the engine and one for the tranny. Look at these before you buy something that may not solve your problem.

Ray just indicated that the mount was in good shape. So I think he is on the right track to check the next item in line.

Worst Case...??...
 

I was told worst case - new tranny - about $2k.

Is this about right?

Ray

About right. 2-3k depending on how you go. Rebuild the one you have or drop in a MB factory rebuilt unit.

What type of car / tranny is it?