Hi,

I have a 1979 W123 Coupe (230C), and for the past couple of days, I've heard a squeal or chirp that I can't recognise.

Whenever I'm stopped (at a traffic light, stop sign, etc.), and then begin to accelerate, I hear a chirping sound that seems to be coming from the right front of the car. It lasts a few seconds, then disappears. But it's loud enough to be heard from inside the car.

Even more strange, it doesn't happen all the time. Especially if I lightly release the clutch and gently accelerate, it tends not to happen. Likewise, if I pop the clutch and accelerate harder, the sound tends to be louder.

At first, I thought it was a belt (or possibly the flywheel a belt is connected to), but no matter how hard I rev the engine, it's completely smooth and squeak-free. So, now I'm worried about the front wheel bearings, but don't know what sound they make when starting to wear out.

Does anyone have an idea of what the issue could be? The problem is so vague that I don't want to let a mechanic run loose on a diagnostic. Just being able to point him in the right direction -- or better yet, fix it myself -- would be helpful.

Many thanks,

Len

 

Drive shaft bearings are gone from the "U" joint connection