TimChan

Hello everyone,
My car is a 2003 W203 C320 4Matic

I recently got some problem with it, it has got almost 120k mile.
When I make a wider turn, I hear some noise under the car, like if I turn the wheel for more than a half way, it happens. If I drive normally or only make a small turn, there is no problem.
I thought it was the tires hitting the fender but a mechanic said it might be the axle problem because my car is AWD and it is weak in that part. The engine light is not on but I am afraid of it to be on.
When I make a U turn, the problem is serious because I make a full turn of the steering wheel.

Please give me advice and shall I buy the part online and get it to Mavis and get it fixed as soon as possible?
Is that a common problem for 4Matic Mercedes?
How much would it cost at all?

Thank you very much!

mskembo

I have no experience with the 4Matic, but it sounds like a differential, or transfer case, but could be as easy as a CV joint. If you could record the sound it would be a lot easier to help you.

TimChan

the sound is like when you move a table on the floor without hanging it up.. or like a train slowly approaching

mskembo

That could be the CV joint, diff and transfer case noises usually have a shudder, and then a thunk! I'd recommend taking it to a good local independent, I'm not competent enough to try fixing that myself.

Star Rider

The typical failing CV joint sound is a loud clicking sound while you are cornering.

mskembo

Yeah, and he said it's only happening when he turns, which is exactly what happened with my Accord back in the day. Without more info we are really just grasping at straws here.

TimChan

Okay bro. I would take the car to the Mavis tomorrow and have them check the CV joint.
Hopefully it is a minor problem. Thank you!

TimChan

Yes star Rider:
It is a clicking sound and makes me crazy. I am afraid of making wide turns as if it would hurt the car..

Star Rider

I would get it checked out sooner than later. If it decides to grenade while your driving it ain't gonna be pretty and you'll be dead in the water. Since this usually fails while turning picture yourself midway though a turn in the intersection when it lets loose.

TimChan

yes,sure, thank you so much!

TimChan

Hi everyone , again.
I have checked my car and Mavis said they could not fix it and advice me to go to the Mercedes.
They said I need front axle, back ordered.
They can order it for me for 275 each.

The clicking sound is becoming serious, what can I do? Thanks...

contact148

front axels (cv joints need to be replaced or rebuilt)

front axels from MB are alot more then 275.00

if your in a city try the yellow pages and look up axels you might be able to get yours rebuilt

TimChan

They said ( Needs front axles, back ordered, $275. each)

Does that mean I need more than one axle? Shall I order it and get it to Mercedes to fix?
Thanks!

Star Rider

Got to http://www.rockauto.com and search your car> drivetrain> CV half shaft assembly> $114 each RETURN & REBUILD only. So they need your old ones to rebuild them and then they send them back.

TimChan

how many of them I need in total actually?

contact148

it would be 2 front left and front right

I had mine rebuilt last summer pretty common on the 4 matic

Star Rider

You'll need a front right & a front left if you do them both. You could just replace the bad one but the other is probably not far behind. Also if you find that everywhere is out of stock then a send & rebuild is your only option. If you do them both at once it will not require you to take it out of service on two separate occasions while you wait for them to be returned to you. You could also look for a driveline shop in your area to remove & rebuild yours locally.

TimChan

Do you mean I would still be able to drive in case I take both of the front axles out?
I am afraid that I could not find a shop where they can remove and rebuild the axles...
Isn't it a tough work to remove it? Because Mavis is not able to fix it.. Is going to the mercedes the only way to resolve it?

Thank you.. Sorry for asking silly questions.

Star Rider

You will not be able to drive it while the axles are out should you have to send them away. As far as the shop not wanting to do it, I am convinced there is some kind of MB death squad that visits any shops that work on them other than the dealer. They're the same people who make it damn near impossible to get any repair info on your Benz. Mention MB and they immediately send you away. It's a conspiracy I tell ya! LOL.
I doubt the MB shop will let you send them away, they will want to sell you their stuff. You probably need to find a reputable MB indie shop.

Where are you located?

TimChan

I am thinking about going to the Keeler Mercedes, located in Albany, I know it is money and money to get it fixed in the mercedes, but its the only way for me.
Also, may I get the part online and get it with me to the mercedes and have them change for me?
I am really worried about it and I have school next week...I hope to get it done as soon as possible.

Star Rider

I doubt the dealer will let you bring in outside parts. They don't make money that way. I am guessing about $2000 or more at the dealer. My local indie shop in Rochester wants $600 to change a starter.

Albany... try this shop in your area for a price comparison. http://autobahncentre.com/

TimChan

Thank you so much, I have sent an email to them and probably I will give them a call on Monday.

Holy sh... Does it need $2000 for changing the axles.? I wont be able to do that...

Star Rider

Good luck with it all.
My local indie shop gets $100 an hour. Not sure what it is at the MB shop these days.

samaritrey

My local dealer is like $125 an hour but a really good MB only Indy is like $75 for me with my discount

TimChan

OKay thanks, do you think it is a wise way to get the part on ebay or let Mavis order the part for me?