Towing a phantom trailer . . .?
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From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Towing a phantom trailer . . .?
I'm normally over on the W164/R129 forums, but a friend just got a CPO 2005 E350 4-matic. When she took delivery I noticed that the front differential was noisy (like an old British car). The dealer replaced it under warranty but after a few weeks she told me the car started to feel "heavy" like it was towing a trailer or like you were standing on the brakes. I drove the car to about 50 mph and then put the transmission in neutral. Instead of coasting gradually the car started to drag to a stop. I did this a few times and it was always the same. Then I switched off the ESP (roads are dry and clear) and viola, the car coasted as you might expect. After turning the ESP back on the car continued to be normal for a day or two, then back to dragging. ESP de-activation will now only sometimes fix this issue.
I am suspecting one of two things - either an issue with the electronic braking system that is causing the pads to be partially engaged all the time or an issue with the center differential and/or the electronics/hydraulics that control it. It seems as if the center differential is locked or nearly so (I have experienced this in SUV's where you can manually lock the differential). This might even explain why the front differential failed. Has anyone experienced anything like this? Can someone give me some insight into how the center differential system functions (I'm not that familiar with the E class). Does the E-class have the electro-hydraulic brake system?
Thank you in advance,
- FD
I am suspecting one of two things - either an issue with the electronic braking system that is causing the pads to be partially engaged all the time or an issue with the center differential and/or the electronics/hydraulics that control it. It seems as if the center differential is locked or nearly so (I have experienced this in SUV's where you can manually lock the differential). This might even explain why the front differential failed. Has anyone experienced anything like this? Can someone give me some insight into how the center differential system functions (I'm not that familiar with the E class). Does the E-class have the electro-hydraulic brake system?
Thank you in advance,
- FD
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A 2005 car would have SBC brake system but it cannot be from the electronics if brakes were partly active.
What sort of wheels/tyres does the car have? If it had staggered wheels (different diameter), the centre differential could make it brake although I don't know if the 5-speed tranny has any similar differential lock as the 7G-tronic where a mechanical fixed force clutch acts as a differential lock for up to 50 Nm torque.
What sort of wheels/tyres does the car have? If it had staggered wheels (different diameter), the centre differential could make it brake although I don't know if the 5-speed tranny has any similar differential lock as the 7G-tronic where a mechanical fixed force clutch acts as a differential lock for up to 50 Nm torque.
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2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
If ESP off stopped the problem it must be with the brakes as ESP does nothing to the differentials. I would look at ESP electronics. I also do not think that the SBC brake system should be a factor as nothing changes there with the ESP off either. Are the wheels and tites stock and stock sizes?? That could effect the ESP if they are not.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Thanks everyone for your replies. The wheels are the original equipment MB OEM wheels and the tires are all new Michelins of the same size, installed at the same time. Any other thoughts?
Thanks,
- FD
Thanks,
- FD
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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