High Speed Rattle?
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Maryland, USA
2007 CLK350 Sport, 2006 E320 CDI, 1978 Cessna 152
High Speed Rattle?
I recently bought a 1998 C230 (upgrading from a 1986 190D) and noticed an odd sound from the rear of the car at speeds over 85 or so, it doesnt go away unless I drop below 85. It almost sounds like something is catching the air somehow or vibrating I have tightened up the rear tag and its mount, checked underneathe the car and on top to see if anything is loose. The 190 never had this issue (when I could get it to go over 85!) Not sure if anyone else has had this problem or not but figured I would ask. Thanks for any suggestions.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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98 C-230
Hi colorado, my car is a 98 c230 too. i haven't had a problem with noise in mine yet, but there is a lot of sheilding underneath the car. if it's not that stuff, could one of the tires have a flat spot, be out of balance or show strange tread wear? i can't hear myself think in my toyota pickup, but it's got mud tires. just a thought, good luck.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20,773
Likes: 0
From: Maryland, USA
2007 CLK350 Sport, 2006 E320 CDI, 1978 Cessna 152
I think there are several things that could cause you to loose some high speed stability. I have been driving at well over 100mph at times and the car has been rock solid. Ill start with the cheapest idea and work to the most expensive. As always, if anyone else has comments about them, feel free to add them!
First, I would check to make sure the tires are all properly inflated, sometimes when there is a difference in pressure it can make the car wag a bit. Second, I would look under the car to make sure everything is hanging in there and nothing flapping around (although I think you would feel this at highway speeds not just over 100). Third, the road could be slightly tilted for draining or there may be a cross breeze that can make the car seem to be a bit unstable. Fourth, this may sound odd but I had it happen on a 190D. I left the car parked either with low tire pressure or against a concrete curb. It caused the steel in the tires to bend or become deformed. The whole car shook abit until I had the tires replaced. Fifth, have you had it aligned lately? I had suspension work done on the 190 and it was very jittery until I had it aligned. If you were really pushing the car around corners somethings could be just a little out of alignment. Finally, if nothing else works, it could be suspension/steering problem.
At high speeds small issues can be big issues. I hope this helps, and let me know if you find the cause!
First, I would check to make sure the tires are all properly inflated, sometimes when there is a difference in pressure it can make the car wag a bit. Second, I would look under the car to make sure everything is hanging in there and nothing flapping around (although I think you would feel this at highway speeds not just over 100). Third, the road could be slightly tilted for draining or there may be a cross breeze that can make the car seem to be a bit unstable. Fourth, this may sound odd but I had it happen on a 190D. I left the car parked either with low tire pressure or against a concrete curb. It caused the steel in the tires to bend or become deformed. The whole car shook abit until I had the tires replaced. Fifth, have you had it aligned lately? I had suspension work done on the 190 and it was very jittery until I had it aligned. If you were really pushing the car around corners somethings could be just a little out of alignment. Finally, if nothing else works, it could be suspension/steering problem.
At high speeds small issues can be big issues. I hope this helps, and let me know if you find the cause!
