Very odd "whumping" sound from under the dash.
12-11-2010, 08:49 PM
#26
Super Moderator
Damn!
I'm driving my C32, this morning, for about 5 minutes when, Thump!.....Thump! from the right side of the dash. I immediately recognize the sound as the POS stepper motor linkage.
When I had this replaced at the end of '06, I thought I had been told that MB was replacing the crappy $.25 piece of plastic with an improved design. NOT!
So, now I am dealing with the ongoing pogo door lock, the creaking front bushings and, now, the thumping dashboard.
All in all, about $1800-$2000 in repairs by my estimate.
Today, I hate my car. Updates to follow.
I'm driving my C32, this morning, for about 5 minutes when, Thump!.....Thump! from the right side of the dash. I immediately recognize the sound as the POS stepper motor linkage.
When I had this replaced at the end of '06, I thought I had been told that MB was replacing the crappy $.25 piece of plastic with an improved design. NOT!
So, now I am dealing with the ongoing pogo door lock, the creaking front bushings and, now, the thumping dashboard.
All in all, about $1800-$2000 in repairs by my estimate.
Today, I hate my car. Updates to follow.
Could have almost bought a clean C55 with those three checks.
Hoping for a little sympathy from the Mrs., instead she exclaims “the car is making funny noises!”
Idler pulley? Another fender liner snagged on a parking partition? Broken header? No such luck; it’s the stepper motor's linkage.
Going to invest a day during the holiday lull to attempt a DIY.
Should that prove unsuccessful, she’ll be sporting a lovely Camry or Accord from CarMax in 2011.
12-11-2010, 10:19 PM
#27
Senior Member
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2002 C32, 2011 VW GTI
Arrived home last night feeling penniless after having paid my property and estimated quarterly state/federal taxes.
Could have almost bought a clean C55 with those three checks.
Hoping for a little sympathy from the Mrs., instead she exclaims “the car is making funny noises!”
Idler pulley? Another fender liner snagged on a parking partition? Broken header? No such luck; it’s the stepper motor's linkage.
Going to invest a day during the holiday lull to attempt a DIY.
Should that prove unsuccessful, she’ll be sporting a lovely Camry or Accord from CarMax in 2011.
Could have almost bought a clean C55 with those three checks.
Hoping for a little sympathy from the Mrs., instead she exclaims “the car is making funny noises!”
Idler pulley? Another fender liner snagged on a parking partition? Broken header? No such luck; it’s the stepper motor's linkage.
Going to invest a day during the holiday lull to attempt a DIY.
Should that prove unsuccessful, she’ll be sporting a lovely Camry or Accord from CarMax in 2011.
12-11-2010, 10:59 PM
#28
MBWorld Fanatic!
If you have the right tools and know what you're doing, the job of replacing a stepper motor isn't too difficult. I should have done a DIY when I replaced mine!!
The only trouble is getting to the screws, but when you take off the center part of the dash/ navigation or radio it's right there if I remember right. We had to replace mine along with one of those little arms that connect to another one. Took about 30 mins
The only trouble is getting to the screws, but when you take off the center part of the dash/ navigation or radio it's right there if I remember right. We had to replace mine along with one of those little arms that connect to another one. Took about 30 mins
12-12-2010, 11:32 AM
#29
Super Moderator Alumni
Arrived home last night feeling penniless after having paid my property and estimated quarterly state/federal taxes.
Could have almost bought a clean C55 with those three checks.
Hoping for a little sympathy from the Mrs., instead she exclaims “the car is making funny noises!”
Idler pulley? Another fender liner snagged on a parking partition? Broken header? No such luck; it’s the stepper motor's linkage.
Going to invest a day during the holiday lull to attempt a DIY.
Should that prove unsuccessful, she’ll be sporting a lovely Camry or Accord from CarMax in 2011.
Could have almost bought a clean C55 with those three checks.
Hoping for a little sympathy from the Mrs., instead she exclaims “the car is making funny noises!”
Idler pulley? Another fender liner snagged on a parking partition? Broken header? No such luck; it’s the stepper motor's linkage.
Going to invest a day during the holiday lull to attempt a DIY.
Should that prove unsuccessful, she’ll be sporting a lovely Camry or Accord from CarMax in 2011.
I'm currently living with the stupid "thump" of the busted linkage for now. With the expenses of the holidays and...taxes...I figure it will just become white-noise soon. After all, it does stop after about a minute or so.
Please don't do something rash, like purchasing a Camry. Remember, friends don't let friends drive Toyotas (especially lame ones.).
