Transmission Feels "Rough" in Reverse
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 153
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From: Arkansas
2003 CLK 320 convertible
Transmission Feels "Rough" in Reverse
2003 CLK 320 Cabriolet with 145,762 miles on the odometer.
This just started about a week ago; or at least I first noticed it about a week ago. From a cold start when I put the transmission in reverse to back out of the garage I'm feeling a roughness or vibration accompanied by low pitched vibrating sound; not loud but it's there. . it goes away when I shift into drive and in for forward gears there is no unusual vibration or noise. Once I've driven a few miles and the car is fully warmed up the transmission behaves normally in reverse.
To the best of my knowledge, no one has ever done anything, service wise, to the transmission. Nor is the car driven in a manner that would abuse the transmission.
So,. . . Does anyone have any idea what might be going on?
This just started about a week ago; or at least I first noticed it about a week ago. From a cold start when I put the transmission in reverse to back out of the garage I'm feeling a roughness or vibration accompanied by low pitched vibrating sound; not loud but it's there. . it goes away when I shift into drive and in for forward gears there is no unusual vibration or noise. Once I've driven a few miles and the car is fully warmed up the transmission behaves normally in reverse.
To the best of my knowledge, no one has ever done anything, service wise, to the transmission. Nor is the car driven in a manner that would abuse the transmission.
So,. . . Does anyone have any idea what might be going on?
Last edited by jinark; Jul 28, 2021 at 08:47 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 50
Likes: 9
Mercedes 300D
No problem!
I'll add, that it is pretty common to feel it's just in reverse and neutral/drive feels fine, but I am always surprised after I change out the mounts and not just reverse but neutral/drive is now smoother. I think we get used to the gradual deteroration over time.
I'll add, that it is pretty common to feel it's just in reverse and neutral/drive feels fine, but I am always surprised after I change out the mounts and not just reverse but neutral/drive is now smoother. I think we get used to the gradual deteroration over time.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 9
From: Arkansas
2003 CLK 320 convertible
Good call on the engine mounts. I checked the mounts by grabbing and shaking the non-running engine, it didn't move a bit. Next I started the car, putting the transmission in drive with my foot firmly on the brake pedal and stepping on the gas. The left side of the engine jumped up several inches, a sure sign of a failed engine mount.. I'll also be replacing the rear transmission mount.
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 50
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Mercedes 300D
Good to see it looks as if you've found the problem.
I suggest replacing all the mounts while you are down there.
They are all probably the same age and the other mounts were surely stressed by the failed mount.
I suggest replacing all the mounts while you are down there.
They are all probably the same age and the other mounts were surely stressed by the failed mount.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 9
From: Arkansas
2003 CLK 320 convertible
I replaced both engine mounts and the transmission mount yesterday. Th left mount was in two pieces but looked OK when it was on the car. The job wasn't too bad since I have a lift.
After disconnecting the negative cable from the battery (don't close the boot lid) the right side involved removing the air cleaner box and the alternator. The upper bolt was kind of a pain to remove. The left side involved unbolting the AC compressor and pulling it as far forward as possible to allow removin g the old and installing the new mount. I lifted the engine with a 48" hydraulic jack stand I made.
After disconnecting the negative cable from the battery (don't close the boot lid) the right side involved removing the air cleaner box and the alternator. The upper bolt was kind of a pain to remove. The left side involved unbolting the AC compressor and pulling it as far forward as possible to allow removin g the old and installing the new mount. I lifted the engine with a 48" hydraulic jack stand I made.
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Mercedes 300D
