4Matic Vibration - Sharp Turns
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Joined: Nov 2004
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'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
4Matic Vibration - Sharp Turns
To all 4Matic owners out there,
When you accelerate while turning very sharply (almost to lock) at low speeds -- like you might driving in a parking lot or pulling out of a driveway -- do you hear or feel any sort of vibration/shudder?
I've noticed a small vibration in my car, and I'm wondering if my transfer case is binding a little bit. Could just have something to do with my tires, since they're fairly worn.
When you accelerate while turning very sharply (almost to lock) at low speeds -- like you might driving in a parking lot or pulling out of a driveway -- do you hear or feel any sort of vibration/shudder?
I've noticed a small vibration in my car, and I'm wondering if my transfer case is binding a little bit. Could just have something to do with my tires, since they're fairly worn.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Originally Posted by lexrex
To all 4Matic owners out there,
When you accelerate while turning very sharply (almost to lock) at low speeds -- like you might driving in a parking lot or pulling out of a driveway -- do you hear or feel any sort of vibration/shudder?
I've noticed a small vibration in my car, and I'm wondering if my transfer case is binding a little bit. Could just have something to do with my tires, since they're fairly worn.
When you accelerate while turning very sharply (almost to lock) at low speeds -- like you might driving in a parking lot or pulling out of a driveway -- do you hear or feel any sort of vibration/shudder?
I've noticed a small vibration in my car, and I'm wondering if my transfer case is binding a little bit. Could just have something to do with my tires, since they're fairly worn.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 588
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'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
Sosh, how pronounced was the shudder in your 98 ML? Was it something you felt in the drivetrain, or was it just a noise?
I hesitated at first to call mine a shudder. It's not something I feel, just hear. I'd guess that 95% of the population wouldn't notice anything unusual if when it occurs.
I first noticed it after I had my transmission fluid changed, which is what led me to believe that it's the transfer case. But I was paying extra close attention for irregular behavior after I had the tranny serviced. It's possible I had simply never noticed it before.
My old 450SL had a similar vibration when turning when the tires were really worn. The tires on my E are almost down to the wear bars. I'm getting new tires at the end of the month, so we'll see if that changes anything. I'm hoping it's just a peculiarity of the Michelin MXV4s when they are worn.
I hesitated at first to call mine a shudder. It's not something I feel, just hear. I'd guess that 95% of the population wouldn't notice anything unusual if when it occurs.
I first noticed it after I had my transmission fluid changed, which is what led me to believe that it's the transfer case. But I was paying extra close attention for irregular behavior after I had the tranny serviced. It's possible I had simply never noticed it before.
My old 450SL had a similar vibration when turning when the tires were really worn. The tires on my E are almost down to the wear bars. I'm getting new tires at the end of the month, so we'll see if that changes anything. I'm hoping it's just a peculiarity of the Michelin MXV4s when they are worn.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Never experienced nor have I ever heard of any 4 Matic owner having pinion problems. The 98 ML shuddered slightly when making a tight turn almost to the steering limit at very slow speeds like when parking. No noise was associated with it. Every 98 ML I ever drove did that. I have no idea how it could be your tires, even worn tires.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 588
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'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
I have no idea how it could be your tires, even worn tires.
When you turn, your front tires tilt like this \\ or // (not as extreme), so they have less tread in contact with the pavement.
This, combined with your tire pointing in another direction, can cause the front tires to push or plow just enough for a slight shudder under acceleration when turned nearly to the lock. This could happen on any car with powered rear wheels.
I'm getting new tires in a few weeks, so we'll see if that changes anything. I'm probably being overly paranoid about this. It's so minor that it's likely not a problem.
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Joined: Mar 2015
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mercedes e350
2012 e350 engine shudders/vibrates
Engine shudders when turning sharp slow speeds, parking lot ect. Almost like small vibration. just got back from dealer. the cause ' planetary carrier"
has to do with transmission/4matic. they replaced the part. I was told some cars have success others the problem comes back within a couple weeks. if that's the case, they have to put in a new transmission. hope this helps
has to do with transmission/4matic. they replaced the part. I was told some cars have success others the problem comes back within a couple weeks. if that's the case, they have to put in a new transmission. hope this helps
