500e driveline howl

Over 80mph or so I get a howling in the driveline. The sound is there when accelerating or at steady speed but goes away when coasting. It's not too loud and definitely not exhaust, temperature or rpm related (although it sounds like a 600cc sportbike is behind me)

The car has 126k and as far as i can tell from previous owners receipts no trans or driveline work other than fluid changes.

The trans is not unusually clunky, is there a bearing somewhere on it's way out?

Thanks,

Christian J
'92 500E

The symptons you are describing sounds like the ring and pinion gears in the rear end are gone. Nows a great time for that 400E limited slip differential. Hoe this helps.
Forrest

[michael cole]

i got rid of similar symptoms on 90 300 te by repacking the rear axle shafts

[suginami]

Originally posted by Forrest E Folck
The symptons you are describing sounds like the ring and pinion gears in the rear end are gone. Nows a great time for that 400E limited slip differential. Hoe this helps.
Forrest

400E's, nor any other W124, ever came with limited slip differential. On these cars, this was achieved with electronic control, i.e. ASR.

W126 560SEL's had limited slip differential, though....

I'd rather repack than replace...
Any idea what the cost or time required to repack the axles?

[Kebowers]

try changing the rear axle oil first.

THenget a good diagnosis. Parts back there are VERY dear.

thanks

[C32AMG]

The ring and pinion are worn; repacking the axles is not going to help.

[michael cole]

i repacked both axles with them still on the car.loosen the boot clamps for both inner and outer joints and inject cv joint grease with a grease gun.put as much as you can right into the joint not the boot.reclamp the boots and take it for a good run.you might also try a diff oil chng if problem persists.