My buddy has an ML 320. He has a noise in the rear end. Here is what I can tell you....

1. Not related to engine RPM
2. He can start hearing it at about 5mph
3. It is related to speed of vehicle
4. Just this week got new brakes
5. Just this week got new tires.


I haven't gotten under it yet, but he tells me it could be a cv boot. Do these have cv boots on the back. I was also reading a carrier bearing could make this kind of noise. could it be related to gears in the rear end.

He is also an avid boater and often submerges the rear axle to get his motor boat in and out of the water. We live in upstate NY so I know it's winter and hasn't had his boat in recently, but could it be related to this?

Any help would be appreciated, and if you need more info, please let me know.

Thanks.

 

My guess would be bad driveshaft center support bearing. I had noice like that on my
99 ML320. If the noise is starting at 5MPH, you should be able to lift it up turn wheels by hand to find out where it is comming from. $100 for good one on e-bay. Good luck!

 

has anyone written up how to do this??

 

I've had the same symptom with a 1999 S320. Tires were eliminated as part of the problem. Upon removal I found the old drive shaft's universal joint (2 pc. shaft, of course) was starting to "stick" and so did not move smoothly. So, I figured that I had found the problem. I replaced the entire drive shaft, as was necessary in the case of this model. Unfortunately, the rear noise is still there unchanged. The next step is to jack again and listen for problem area in rear drive shafts (CV joints). Does anyone have any other recommendations?

2008 Sprinter 2500
1999 S320
1987 300SDL
1985 300SD (sold)
1979 240D (sold)

 

you will need a lift for sure and some patients. youll also need a puller to pull the bearing off the driveshaft. the bolts holding the center support bearing are a little tough to access and to loosen. this noise started after the brakes were put on??? or the noise was there before the brake job?