vibrating sound from the rear wheels area

[dariusf]

I just purchased a used 2003 CLK320 with 30k miles. After a day of driving I noticed a strange vibrating sound from the rear wheels area. It seams independent of the speed, acceleration, breaking or turning. I tried turning off ESP with no effect. Randomly maybe for 4 to 6 sec, maybe once every 5-10 min I hear a vibrating sound from the rear wheel area. It sounds exactly like the sound the tires make when driving on ribbed surface of the road. In fact that’s what I thought it was when I first heard it. Its not metallic but like the tire vibration when approaching the tollway boots on a tollway. Any ideas what this could be? I read this online but no idea if that sound like what I'm hearing. Also my is very intermittent and coming from the rear. "A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential." I know its a bit hard to deal with noises etc threw a forum but perhaps someone had exact same symptoms. Thanks Darius

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[chrislis]

check out your wheel bearings.

[JrZkidd]

wheel bearings. same problem when i first got mine with 34k. they sometimes seem to go around that time. cheap fix not to worry

[dariusf]

Thank you for the replies

It is only when putting slight pressure on the accelerator and not all the time. My drive is 4 miles to the train station 40-55mph roads and I hear it maybe 6 times in total, each lasting maybe ~5+ sec. If I let go of the accelerator it instantly stops. Press again and most of the time its all quiet. Then maybe 30 sec later while pressing the accelerator just to maintain the speed, I might hear it again or not

There is a thread at the benzworld.org about the issue with the "Faulty radiator cooler tanks causing transmission failure". Hopefully its not that bad. As I posted there, there are no transmission symptoms I can detect. No transmission slipping, clean shifts, no hesitation. Car runs great besides this. I checked the coolant and it looked good. I can't check the trans fluid as there is no dipstick as I'm sure you know and the one needed is extra long so can't use one from the other car.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w209...ion-noise.html

Not so sure about bearings as It sounds nothing like the whining sound I had when the bearings in my Mitsubishi 3000GTSL were going bad. But then I have no idea what other sounds bearings can make

Another idea is the "check the center propshaft bearing first" over the benzforum.com

I'm taking it in on Monday to the Mercedes dealer. I have extended GM warranty (hopefully it will not be killed now after the GM developments) and hopefully it will cover this.

Thank you for your help
Darius

[moondust]

I know that worn front wheel bearings can make a kind of groaning noise, especially when the wheels are making a gentle turn. I suppose that then a slight side-thrust is exaggerating the wear. The rear wheels will not get side forces like that, but may react to changes of speed, road surface, etc., to set off a temporary vibration.

Can't you jack up the rear, one side at a time, and check the wheels by spinning them? Worn bearings should exhibit excessive 'play' at the hub when pulled hard. You can certainly 'feel' it.

[CLK500K3K4]

my 2003 clk500 with 41500 miles just went to the dealer for the flex b maintenance work on friday, 5/29/09. i also indicated the following issues:
1) A/C takes to long to cool cabin; on-going symptom since purchase in 2003
2) headrest wont adjust all the way down, at least 1-inch gap between bottom of headrest and top of seat back
3) oil leak on driver side valve cover
4) trransmission shift roughly between 1, 2, 3 and 4 gear; with intermittent vibration sound like tires rolling over grated cement surface
5) transmission connector line leaks

verdict:
1) nothing can be done about the A/C; characterictic of that model type and year.
2) reprogrammed both headrest and now works as expected, no charge, warranty item.
3) replaced both left and right valve cover gaskets; no charge - warranty item.
4) original "Valeo" radiator replaced by another Valeo raditor, mfg date May 2008, made in Poland. Tech notes indicated leaks with transmission cooler; no charge - wanrranty item. be persistent with the service advisor and have him/her address and resolve this issue with the coolant leak in the transmission. MBZ is aware of this issue with the W209 clk.
5) replaced transmission connector hose/line, no charge - warranty item.

got the vehicle back on 6/2/09. dealer paid 5-day rental for a c300. all work was completed by 5/29/09 friday afternoon except for the transmission issue. dealer kept the car all saturday, closed on sunday, all monday and half of tuesday to resolve the transmission problem. out of pocket expense was $700 for the flex b maintenance and front brake pads replacement; $700 is on the high side but so glad those other items were covered under exended warranty.

[dariusf]

Thank you much for posting this. That's exactly what my sounds like "tires rolling over grated cement surface" with the exception of the "transmission shifting roughly". Perhaps I'm looking at early stages of the damage. I will push the issue and hopefully get it resolved. Hoping I will not need a new transmission. Did your dealer mention anything about the trans replacement? Was there a full trans fluid, filter and gasket change? Did they flush the whole trans or just partial replacement?

I will also report back the results with my dealer sometime next week.

Thank you much
Darius

[dariusf]

For reference for others there was this bulletin / recall from Mercedes:

FAULTY RADIATOR COOLER TANKS
Causes transmission failure

According to Mercedes Benz Star Bulletin #P-B 27.55/50f, dated March 24, 2006, there is a problem with Valeo radiators up to production date 9/2003 installed in models:

203.040/061/064/065/081/084/261/264/281/284/740/747/746 also
209.365/375/376/465/475 and finally
211.065/070/076/083/265/283

The problem occurs when the coolant leaks from the defective radiator through the cooler tank into the transmission, resulting in damage to the transmission and torque converter. Unlike earlier types of coolant and transmission fluids synthetic coolant and transmission fluid mix very well together. Mercedes does offer a test kit to check for the presence of glycol in the trans fluid, but this test is expensive and even if the test is negative at the time there is no guarantee that a leak won't occur later. In event of transmission failure it is STRONGLY recommended to replace the radiator as part of the repair on any of the above listed automobiles.
---------------

Not sure where to find the exact model of my 2003 CLK320, anyone know?

[dariusf]

I talked to a Mercedes mechanic and he told me that it could have one of two things causing that problem. One cause is the radiator leak ("Faulty radiator cooler tanks causing transmission failure"). The other cause could be the transmission control module. The trans module has the ability to adapt and some times in that year and make it adapts the torque converter incorrectly. The only way to test that is to clear out the adaptations and if the problem goes away then it is the control module. If it does not go away it is the radiator. And in most cases with a bad radiator it will also need a trans and a torque converter if it has been driven like this for to long.

I'm going to get the control module reset today after work. Wish me luck

Will post back the results...

[Supafly]

Originally Posted by dariusf

For reference for others there was this bulletin / recall from Mercedes:

FAULTY RADIATOR COOLER TANKS
Causes transmission failure

According to Mercedes Benz Star Bulletin #P-B 27.55/50f, dated March 24, 2006, there is a problem with Valeo radiators up to production date 9/2003 installed in models:

203.040/061/064/065/081/084/261/264/281/284/740/747/746 also
209.365/375/376/465/475 and finally
211.065/070/076/083/265/283

The problem occurs when the coolant leaks from the defective radiator through the cooler tank into the transmission, resulting in damage to the transmission and torque converter. Unlike earlier types of coolant and transmission fluids synthetic coolant and transmission fluid mix very well together. Mercedes does offer a test kit to check for the presence of glycol in the trans fluid, but this test is expensive and even if the test is negative at the time there is no guarantee that a leak won't occur later. In event of transmission failure it is STRONGLY recommended to replace the radiator as part of the repair on any of the above listed automobiles.
---------------

Not sure where to find the exact model of my 2003 CLK320, anyone know?

so if there was a recall for w209s..that means i can go back to my stealership and get the radiator replaced free of charge?

[05clk500Art]

Originally Posted by Supafly

so if there was a recall for w209s..that means i can go back to my stealership and get the radiator replaced free of charge?

I would like to know too!! and if its not free wich one should we get and for how much ??? and how much oil dose our tranny need???

thanks for the info guys every one so nice and helpfull lol

[dariusf]

From what I understand talking with a mechanic on a side and some one mentioning on some other forum, the Mercedes will not cover the cost. I think it was not official recall just a notification.

I know some people had the radiator replaced with a flush of the trans to fix this. Others had to have the trans replaced as well. Talking with the Mercedes mechanic, he told me that if it was his car, he would have the trans replaced as well do to the radiator fluid damaging the trans. So just a radiator change and trans fluid flush is a partial fix and you can very well have trans issues. Unfortunately for the people with out extended warranty this is a very costly repair. ~ $5k

I had the transmission control module reset and it did not help at all so its not it and has to be the radiator issue. Note that my trans fluid and radiator fluid '"look" fine but there is no way to tell for sure with out doing the test to check for the presence of glycol in the trans fluid.

Personally I feel that Mercedes acknowledged the issue with the Mercedes Benz Star Bulletin #P-B 27.55/50f, dated March 24 2006. They knows very well that there was a design or production problem with the radiator that would cause the leak. This should be handled as a recall and fully covered by Mercedes. This would be the right thing to do but from all I have read its not what they are doing.

Perhaps if enough people would press the issue with the Mercedes directly, they would do something about it. Class action lawsuit anyone? (

[dariusf]

Also if the glycol test does not confirm the radiator leak, then it might very well need the transmission control module and control board replacement.

[dariusf]

PS, some more info on the C-Class forum

Transmission Issues...Please help!

[scarlett01]

I am thanful that I have found this forum, since, my c240 ( 2003) is doing the same thing as all you have described....We took it to a specialist yesterday, and, he put the computer on it , and, no prob showed in the tranny....but...we did change the oil in the transfer case, and, it was burnt....we then had him to a test on the fluids in the transmission, and, yep, it was compromised from the radiator....We had check the overflow from the radiator last week, and, thought that we were home free, since there was no absence of normal fluids there....We are now waiting on the repair place...who only fixes Mercedes, and, has for 33 years, to get back to us with what we can do.....Please let me know how all of you delt with this prob, as I feel like some one kicked me in the stomach!

Tks....Scarlett

[scarlett01]

A question...I have been told that a tranny from a 2005 C240 is, infact, the same tranny that is in a 2003...in other words, they are interchangeable....both are 4matics...any one know if this , is in fact, the truth? Any input would be so helpful.

Scarlett

[dariusf]

Originally Posted by scarlett01

I am thanful that I have found this forum, since, my c240 ( 2003) is doing the same thing as all you have described....We took it to a specialist yesterday, and, he put the computer on it , and, no prob showed in the tranny....but...we did change the oil in the transfer case, and, it was burnt....we then had him to a test on the fluids in the transmission, and, yep, it was compromised from the radiator....We had check the overflow from the radiator last week, and, thought that we were home free, since there was no absence of normal fluids there....We are now waiting on the repair place...who only fixes Mercedes, and, has for 33 years, to get back to us with what we can do.....Please let me know how all of you delt with this prob, as I feel like some one kicked me in the stomach!

Tks....Scarlett

I feel your pain, I was too busy to take the car in but have appointment at the dealer on Monday. Hopefully my extended warranty will cover this...

[SoCalCLK]

Originally Posted by dariusf

Thank you much for posting this. That's exactly what my sounds like "tires rolling over grated cement surface" with the exception of the "transmission shifting roughly". Perhaps I'm looking at early stages of the damage. I will push the issue and hopefully get it resolved. Hoping I will not need a new transmission. Did your dealer mention anything about the trans replacement? Was there a full trans fluid, filter and gasket change? Did they flush the whole trans or just partial replacement?

I will also report back the results with my dealer sometime next week.

Thank you much
Darius

The symptoms you describe are sometimes the beginning stages of a failing transmission/torque converter.

Not sure about a full tranny flush but then they put it back together, they do use 12 quarts of tranny fluid.

[scarlett01]

Hi Darius....thanks so much for responding...this has been a gut wrenching week.....Good news is, although I didnt know about it...I also had an extended warranty on my car! It turned up when the dealer ran my VIN number....They took a look yesterday, and, will be replacing the radiator, and, doing the tranny "flush" . If that doesn't cure the problem, they will replace the tranny and most likely the transfer case as well...but, according to my SA, they have to try the flush first....Anyway, the extended warranty does cover the costs...which is awesome...Talk about highs and lows emotions all in a few days! I am the 3rd owner of this car...and..the second owner bought it as a "certified used car" which I guess carried the extended warranty....No one told me about it when I purchased the car 11 months ago...but...what a wonderful surprise!

I will keep up on here and let you know how it all works out!

Good lkuck with your baby too!

Scarlett

[dariusf]

Originally Posted by scarlett01

Hi Darius....thanks so much for responding...this has been a gut wrenching week.....Good news is, although I didnt know about it...I also had an extended warranty on my car! It turned up when the dealer ran my VIN number....They took a look yesterday, and, will be replacing the radiator, and, doing the tranny "flush" . If that doesn't cure the problem, they will replace the tranny and most likely the transfer case as well...but, according to my SA, they have to try the flush first....Anyway, the extended warranty does cover the costs...which is awesome...Talk about highs and lows emotions all in a few days! I am the 3rd owner of this car...and..the second owner bought it as a "certified used car" which I guess carried the extended warranty....No one told me about it when I purchased the car 11 months ago...but...what a wonderful surprise!

I will keep up on here and let you know how it all works out!

Good lkuck with your baby too!

Scarlett

Wow talk about lucky!!! Come to think about it, I'm also a 3rd owner of my car and I got it from a Lexus dealer and paid for the extended warranty (my wife insisted and good she did), I will need to ask the mercedes dealer to check. A good mercedes mechanic told me that demanding on how long you were driving with this condition, you did damage to the trans and he recomanded to replace the trans and transfer case. We will see next week. If you do end up needing the transmission, insist you get a new one and not rebuild one as you would have no idea how many miles and how much abuse the rebuild trans had on it. My car has 31k miles on it and I would hate to get a rebuild trans from lets say 120k mile car. On a side note this is a repeat for me as 13 years ago I also had to rebuild the transmission on my then 3 year old Mitsubishi 3000 GTSL with also 30k miles... talk about bad luck

[scarlett01]

Hey Darius..

I have always said I would rather be lucky than smart....but...luck never seemed to happen...until now...Thank You so much to whom ever gave it!

Yes....I agree about the new vs rebuilt tranny...and....transfer case...When we thought it was just the transfer case, and, I didn't know about the glycol problem yet, I would have gone for a new transfer case, out of my own pocket ( about 2700) but, I sure didn't want to....so....I am not asking for anything that I wouldn't have been willing to do myself...( except I think I was drawing the line on a new $7000.00 tranny.....) The dealer I am using is being up front....and...has given me a loaner to use for the duration of this saga...that is good too.....They will not have the radiator until tomorrow, so, Mon should tell the story for the flush....I have no clue when this all started, but, I began to hear strange noises about 6 weeks ago...I do not put alot of miles on the car, so, there maybe only a couple of hundred....but..I will tell you...the way she sounded on Tues when we took her to the dealer, it wasn't good....

[scarlett01]

Ok...an update....it has been a week since I took my car into the dealer....they have replaced the radiator....and..have done a flush of the tranny.....they still do not like the way it is shifting...They have to give it another flush and see if that inproves the shifting....then...if it does not...they will replace the transmission....they do not sound hopeful that the second flush will work..but...those are the first defense steps that need to be taken....I should find out this pm what is what....

In talking to someone that knows a lot about how all car manufacture'
s work, there was no recall because this was not a saftey issue...that is the only time that there is a manufacture recall....according to the person I spoke to.....who doesn't work for any manufacturer....Interesting...

[dariusf]

Thanks for the update. I think its more of the warranty company dictating to try to get away with out a transmission replacement.

As for the recall, that sounds about right, but I expected a bit more from a company like Mercedes. After all their image should matter to them. They knew about the problem, a manufacturing defect or a design defect. They knew the consequences and the cost associated with repair if not fixed early. They should have replaced all the radiators right away to avoid the more costly damage down the line. They tried to save a few $ while damaging their reputation and greatly effecting the pocket book of their customers. I call this greed and disregard for ones customers and think it is unacceptable from any company not to mention Mercedes with their 'elite' and expansive products.

Anyway, sorry for going off but I'm both pissed and disappointed.

That said the Mercedes dealer I took it to was great and hopefully we will have a positive outcome in the end. I just dropped it off yesterday and should know the diagnosis in a couple days.

[dariusf]

scarlett01, how bad was your shifting? In my it shifts well most of the time but from time to time on take off, it jerks the car while shifting from 1st to 2nd and then during stopping from 2nd to 1st. I say its maybe 1 in 4 or 5 times. When the control module was reset, it shifted really bad. After maybe 5 miles it adjusted and we were back to the once in 4 or 5 times. On the other hand the vibrating noise coming from the trans or the tourge converter is audible maybe every 20 to 40 sec. Only when I keep the accelerator pressed just to maintain the speed. Goes away right away after I let it go.

[scarlett01]

Hey D.....the shifting didn't seem too bad to me until the last week or so...and..then it was god awful....The dealership called today..and..they need to do one more flush..but..the service manager do esn't think that the tranny is shifting the way it should be at all...so.....I probably won't have the car back for another week or so...I do have a loaner...so...I can get around..but..after all the time I have spent worring about this stuff....I just want it to be resolved and done with!



I agree with you...I thought that Mercedes would be more stand up in admitting a problem...especially one like this one...it would be devestating...with out the warranty....

How is your car coming along? Same deal?? I will say that while the Mercedes dealer I am using is not the closest to me....they do seem to be real nice, through, and, keep intouch kind of people...