Slight Shudder in Steering Wheel and Brakes when Braking Lightly

Dec 12, 2016 | 04:11 PM

alyshehata

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2016 C300 4MATIC

Slight Shudder in Steering Wheel and Brakes when Braking Lightly

Hi guys,

I am wondering if this is normal on a W205 where I am experiencing a slight shake in the steering wheel and brake pedal when braking lightly on comfort or eco mode. The shudder only happens for about a second after the downshift from 4th gear to 3rd gear. It is interesting that I do not notice any vibration when applying the same braking on Sport+ mode. I'm wondering if this is normal and if anyone else noticed the same thing. All other downshifts are pretty smooth (although a bit of a jerk forward but no vibrations).

Dec 12, 2016 | 04:32 PM

ManiacGT

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From: Manchester, UK

BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus

Something like this would usually be warped rotors (discs).

Dec 12, 2016 | 04:43 PM

alyshehata

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2016 C300 4MATIC

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

Something like this would usually be warped rotors (discs).

That's what I originally though about, but it only happens in the instant the downshift occurs from 4th to 3rd gear. It doesn't happen anytime else, and it doesn't happen on S+ when applying the same amount of braking. My guess is it's tranny related.

Dec 12, 2016 | 05:09 PM

Hapa88

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2017 C300 Coupe (C205)

I'm a little confused by your description, so help me understand. You refer to both braking and downshifting (4th to 3rd) which implies "engine braking". Do the problems you experience happen when you are braking (as in using the brake pedal)? Or do you feel the problems when you're engine braking (as in lifting off the accelerator and letting the car coast and reduce speed by using the engine torque)?

Based on what you describe, the only thing I can think of would apply to the ECO mode and its disengagement and reengagement of the transmission from the drivetrain during coasting.

Dec 12, 2016 | 05:16 PM

Hapa88

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2017 C300 Coupe (C205)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

Something like this would usually be warped rotors (discs).

Note that "warped" rotors are a myth. 99.9% of the time it is uneven brake pad deposits left of on the rotors that cause vibration. See this white paper by Stoptech for more info:

http://www.stoptech.com/technical-su...nd-other-myths

Dec 12, 2016 | 05:34 PM

alyshehata

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2016 C300 4MATIC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hapa88

Thanks for your reply. I'll go ahead and clarify exactly what I mean. Basically as I approach a traffic light for example, I'll start to lightly hit the brake. I feel a little jolt every time the car downshifts but that is normal engine braking since it is switching to a lower gear. However, from 4th to 3rd gear, in addition to the engine braking feeling, I feel a vibration in the brake pedal as well as the steering wheel for about a second. It kind of feels as if it takes the car that long to finally get into the 3rd gear. So in summary, the vibration only occurs when the transmission shifts from 4th to 3rd if I'm braking lightly to come to a stop. It does not happen in S+ and I do not feel the vibration if I brake a little bit harder than I would like.

Dec 12, 2016 | 09:40 PM

alyshehata

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2016 C300 4MATIC

Just reset transmission adaptation and drove around for a bit.. It seems to be still happening. I do not recall the loaners I had exhibited this issue so I feel like it might be something wrong with the transmission. It is really minor, but definitely bugs me when going through stop and go traffic.

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Dec 13, 2016 | 12:52 AM

alyshehata

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2016 C300 4MATIC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadwell

Thanks for your reply. However, do you think this will help mitigate the issue given that it is only caused in the instant the car downshifts from 4th to 3rd gear?

Dec 13, 2016 | 01:16 AM

#10

Shadwell

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From: Gold Coast, Oz.

C300 S205 AMG, GLA 45 AMG

It's a process of elimination...

the he transmission has no connection to the front wheels (not 4wd right? Pls confirm )
So IF it's brake elated that's an easy elimination at little to no cost which I have experienced as a notable contributor to the brake judder through the steering sensation...

If if after doing this it's no different then of course that then points to the drivetrain which I imagine you are unable to action at home...

Without being in in front of the car and observing the issue the process of elimination is the next best approach....

Dec 13, 2016 | 11:46 AM

#11

Hapa88

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Joined: Sep 2005

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2017 C300 Coupe (C205)

My thought is it could be the transmission ECU programming. I thought I remember reading somewhere that people have had their transmission programming updated at the dealership. Have you had it done at all?
Read this thread. People mention the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) update.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ift-issue.html

Last edited by Hapa88; Dec 13, 2016 at 12:14 PM.

Jul 25, 2019 | 04:41 PM

#12

Paul Davidson

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Joined: Jul 2019

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mercedes C250 amg premium plus

Brake juddering

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hapa88

I have exactly the same problem
I have had the discs cleaned and new sets on front and rear and it is still happening .So annoying for a top end car
Forums in the states suggest that the design of the discs are faulty and overheat therefore expanding whilst driving causing the juddering .
others suggest that the is a software issue that causes the system to brake lightly thinking that the discs are wet from rain . Therefore over heating them .
I have spent out a lot of money trying to solve the issue but I am now taking car in under warranty to try and solve the problem