DRBC43AMG

Yeah, thanks for the tip Zayed. There was a bit of the tunnel insulation hanging down on the driveshaft (tell tail rubbing sign on the shaft), but I managed to spray some contact glue and left it compressed with some pieces of wood and a floor jack for 24h (see post #20 above). Everything stays in place now.


Insulation glued back in place

DRBC43AMG

Yay people, a video It's a bit longish but you can also enjoy the scenery After this first attempt using a GroPro I've had your several years, guess I now have NO excuse for not filing some more
I still need to improve my editing skills and hope the sound is loud enough. I was running with the windows closed, no radio and HEVAC down to near low

cm60k

Not that sure, but have sense this rattle comes from drive shaft or Exhaust..!

-;ZAYED;-

DRBC43AMG

What could it be in the drive shafts? Everything is new on the thing except the U joints.
Just wondering if it could be a disintegrating cat perhaps, but it would rattle if it was that.
I may just pop down to the dealer tomorrow so they can give their opinion, but I dread if it's in the gearbox

DRBC43AMG

The position of the GoPro together with a wide angle lense gives a false impression. Yeah some crazy bikers from time to time, but I wasn't going fast (50-60 km/h) and I was careful.
Yup this is my Y pipe I purchased in GB, but the snarl is rather subdued as I was not accelerating hard.
The drive shaft bearing and flex discs are new

cm60k

I think you already replace the gearbox mount, isn't..?

-;ZAYED;-

DRBC43AMG

Yes

503C43 ////AMG

When I removed the resonator the shop welded in a pipe that was too long. This caused the hanger on the muffler to come into contact with the frame and created a rattle. It's a long shot but worth a look.

DRBC43AMG

Thanks. All the hangers are well bolted and free from any possible metal contact.

I haven't got enough motivation to go down to my local dealer to get the noise checked out. I discovered that this MB dealer was the one that first sold my 43 back in 99'. Guess it's a bit back to mother's breast for some comforting

Also I'm afraid that this could be a transmission out job and that would be F***ing disastrously expensive

DRBC43AMG

Yep done. Clean as a virgin

503C43 ////AMG

Why not try to mount the GoPro or some other type of audio recording device under the car in different locations to see where the noise is coming from?

desired_speeds

I have a 02 W210 E55 and I recently noticed a fluttering noise as you described in the gearshift area. It is only under load from 30-40mph approx. and went away after about 1-2 mins of driving. I've noticed it on two occasions so far. My driveline is all original and I climbed under to check that the flex discs weren't in immediate danger of failing. I hope you get to the end of your issue and that it won't be too costly. Following for updates!

DRBC43AMG

Now that's interesting. Did you check out my video? Unfortunately you don't hear it very loud^ly. Hope it doesn't flare to epidemic levels with other owners or else we have a serious problem

cm60k

Sometimes, bad catalysts or secondary cats could cause this rattle..!!,,

if not, should to check if tq. converter gets loose..!?!

-;ZAYED;-

vinceC

Did you check the U-Joints for smoothness through the full range of motion when you did the driveshaft work?

DRBC43AMG

There was no apparent wear, or excessive movement in the U joints. No clunking noise either.
Did I perhaps overlook something??

vinceC

The rollers within the u-joint can develop flat spots since they operate with a small range of motion (the driveshaft doesn't "flex" much in normal operation). That wear can cause to joint to "bind" under certain circumstances. Sometimes this can be noticed by occasional squeaking. Sometimes it can cause a rumble or shaking in the driveshaft at certain driveshaft RPM and loads. Listening to your video I can't make a judgement as to whether the u-joint is your problem. That is why I asked the question - you had the driveshaft out and may have checked it. Since I dealt with a bad u-joint a few years ago I always move/check the u-joint through the full range of motion when I have a driveshaft out.

The u-joint is not user replaceable. The driveshaft can be reconditioned by a specialist. Here in the US that typically runs about $300 USD.

DRBC43AMG

Thanks for sharing your opinion and comments

silverc4s

503C43 ////AMG

DRBC43AMG

I've done a short recording using my mobile. It needs a bit of editing but I can't do that till later tonight.

503C43 ////AMG

DRBC43AMG

None for the moment. I can't get my 43 up on stands ad the space is occupied by my workhorse which has sprung a nasty ATF leak and they no longer make spare parts. So having to work with makeshift parts and solutions hoping it will hold.
Also the 43 has started making some grinding sounds when going other bumps, so I guess some bushings (anti-sway bar perhaps) are shot and need changing, not unless it's a spring or faulty shock

DRBC43AMG

Not worried with MB parts. It is parts for my Renault Twingo automatic transmission, daily runabout and winter reindeer

DRBC43AMG

I doubt it, he's too busy doing other things...