Strange clicking noise from back of CLE53
Member
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 131
Likes: 23
From: LA
2024 CLE53 AMG
Unfortunately my clicking has returned. I had previously posted that my dealer replaced both rear axles to address the issue and at the time the noise went away. I thought it was resolved.
Now that it has come back I did some more research and found that Mercedes issued an updated version of the bulletin earlier this year:
I brought the new bulletin to my service advisor and he said he would forward this information to his shop foreman.
I’ll update this thread again once the repair is completed with the updated fix and share whether it finally takes care of the issue.
Now that it has come back I did some more research and found that Mercedes issued an updated version of the bulletin earlier this year:
- Bulletin No.: LI35.30-P-058566 (Version 7)
- Date: January 15, 2025
- Subject: Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
- Cause: Microweld cracking occurs between the wheel bearing inner race and the side shaft joint housing which leads to the clicking and clunking noises.
- Updated fix: Instead of simply replacing the axles the procedure now requires removing both rear side shafts, coating the contact surface with Molykote low-friction paint (A000-989-01-52-10) and reinstalling them. The outboard collar nut has to be replaced if loosened.
I brought the new bulletin to my service advisor and he said he would forward this information to his shop foreman.
I’ll update this thread again once the repair is completed with the updated fix and share whether it finally takes care of the issue.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
CLE53 AMG
Unfortunately my clicking has returned. I had previously posted that my dealer replaced both rear axles to address the issue and at the time the noise went away. I thought it was resolved.
Now that it has come back I did some more research and found that Mercedes issued an updated version of the bulletin earlier this year:
I brought the new bulletin to my service advisor and he said he would forward this information to his shop foreman.
I’ll update this thread again once the repair is completed with the updated fix and share whether it finally takes care of the issue.
Now that it has come back I did some more research and found that Mercedes issued an updated version of the bulletin earlier this year:
- Bulletin No.: LI35.30-P-058566 (Version 7)
- Date: January 15, 2025
- Subject: Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
- Cause: Microweld cracking occurs between the wheel bearing inner race and the side shaft joint housing which leads to the clicking and clunking noises.
- Updated fix: Instead of simply replacing the axles the procedure now requires removing both rear side shafts, coating the contact surface with Molykote low-friction paint (A000-989-01-52-10) and reinstalling them. The outboard collar nut has to be replaced if loosened.
I brought the new bulletin to my service advisor and he said he would forward this information to his shop foreman.
I’ll update this thread again once the repair is completed with the updated fix and share whether it finally takes care of the issue.
How did you get access to the bulletin?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 32
Likes: 13
Rear axle clicking issue – long history across Mercedes platforms
I’ve been looking into the rear axle clicking/clunking problem on the CLE53 and wanted to share what I found.
This isn’t a new issue for Mercedes at all. Going back as far as the mid-1990s, models like the W202 C-Class and W210 E-Class had similar rear axle clicking complaints. Mercedes issued bulletins over the years addressing it, sometimes calling for axle replacements and sometimes prescribing lubrication or coating treatments.
When the AMG GT 4-Door (X290) came out around 2019, the same problem showed up again. Owners reported clicking from the rear axle, and Mercedes issued a bulletin that tied into the same issue, with an added step for the anti-cracking disk in the joint.
Now with the CLE53, the problem has surfaced again. The CLE shares its underlying MRA2 platform with the E-Class and AMG GT 4-Door, which means it uses the same style of rear axle and wheel bearing design. That’s why Mercedes connected the CLE53 issue directly to the same bulletin family that already covered the AMG GT 4-Door and E-Class.
I’ve been looking into the rear axle clicking/clunking problem on the CLE53 and wanted to share what I found.
This isn’t a new issue for Mercedes at all. Going back as far as the mid-1990s, models like the W202 C-Class and W210 E-Class had similar rear axle clicking complaints. Mercedes issued bulletins over the years addressing it, sometimes calling for axle replacements and sometimes prescribing lubrication or coating treatments.
When the AMG GT 4-Door (X290) came out around 2019, the same problem showed up again. Owners reported clicking from the rear axle, and Mercedes issued a bulletin that tied into the same issue, with an added step for the anti-cracking disk in the joint.
Now with the CLE53, the problem has surfaced again. The CLE shares its underlying MRA2 platform with the E-Class and AMG GT 4-Door, which means it uses the same style of rear axle and wheel bearing design. That’s why Mercedes connected the CLE53 issue directly to the same bulletin family that already covered the AMG GT 4-Door and E-Class.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
2025 CLE 53 AMG
Hello everybody,
I have a 2025 CLE53 and I can confirm I also have somewhat similar issue, so unfortunately it's not been resolved.
The production date of my car was July 2025 or so.
I also have a separate issue with parking brake sound - when the car is outside in freezing temperatures, the brake release is comically loud - like a clear metallic ping.
So every time I leave in my car, there is a loud ping from parking brake and than clicking noise from the rear axle.
I didnt bother trying to resolve any of those yet. I don't think it's worth it? My car is on lease, but I am not sure how the lease company will look at it once I give the car back.
I have a 2025 CLE53 and I can confirm I also have somewhat similar issue, so unfortunately it's not been resolved.
The production date of my car was July 2025 or so.
I also have a separate issue with parking brake sound - when the car is outside in freezing temperatures, the brake release is comically loud - like a clear metallic ping.
So every time I leave in my car, there is a loud ping from parking brake and than clicking noise from the rear axle.
I didnt bother trying to resolve any of those yet. I don't think it's worth it? My car is on lease, but I am not sure how the lease company will look at it once I give the car back.
Last edited by michal12; Feb 8, 2026 at 05:01 AM.
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