ML320 transmission rapid clicking sound in park and neutral

[jamlip]

Hi all.

I am the current owner of a 1998 ML320 with about 275,000 miles.

The transmission has started making a rapid clicking noise (actually more of a 'clacking') when in park or neutral. It feels fine in drive, but binds and jerks terribly when driving in reverse, with a feeling like a CV joint is binding-up. The clacking noise increases with RPM.

My assumption is the parking pawl is somehow contacting the parking gear, but I'm not familiar with the 722.6 transmission (or many other automatics, for that matter). Does anyone have diagrams of this transmission that would help me locate it?

I dropped the transmission fluid this morning and it looks fine - no metal shavings or particles.

I bought this car with other issues and have enjoyed sorting through them (engine mounts, rear suspension, door locks, etc). I like taking it off-road, my wife likes driving it around town, and I am on a mission to keep it alive.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!