Tradebenefit

My '04 E500 4-matic wagon with 112K miles, has developed a roaring gear noise while at speed. I'm wondering about the cv joints. The boots are good. There is a slight play, in and out , with the shafts. More so on the left side, 1/8th inch. No clunking noises while turning forward or reverse. With wheels jacked up there is no in and out play but there is about 10 degrees of rotation forward and rearward. I'm fairly certain this noise is the cv joints, bearing or what from the front drive line, and not the transfer case or tranny. What should I look for? How much play should there be and where?

mshrout

this roaring noise is usually associated with wheel bearings. CV joints make a load clicking noise when fully turned to either left or right. It may be your bearing hubs.