TPWUK

Hi guys,

I found the source of the rear end creaking on my 430 Convertible.
See attached photo......


It's coming from those bolts at the top of the spare wheel well.

Does anyone know what they are actually holding in place? Do they have a particular torque setting?

Cheers and thanks.

Serndipity

I believe the bolts you're asking about secure a finishing panel, behind which are components of the roof's power lowering/raising mechanism.

See the following post for more clarity.

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...ad.php?t=39699

TPWUK

Many thanks!!

There seems to be some movement on mine which causes the creaking noise. I wonder if making them those bolts too tight will cause excessive friction?

Serndipity

Seems to me that a structure so well bolted down, it's not the fastened area that is creaking.

Creaking is often surface edges, in close proximity, making unintended contact.

Have you tried some probing on surfaces to reproduce the creaking?

For example, I cured a creak coming from the front dashboard, which I thought was caused by the long decorative wood strip not being fully attached, by inserting a thin strip of foam between the dash edge and windshield.

TPWUK

It's definately coming from this area. Once I had tightend the bolts the creaking almost completely vanished. It is still there albeit much quieter now, so I wonder if the top section of this panel also needs tightening up.