E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Rhythmic thump sound @ 20-45ish mph

Old Mar 17, 2012 | 03:52 PM
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chinsk's Avatar
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Rhythmic thump sound @ 20-45ish mph

Hello all,

I have a 2005 E320 2WD withh ~64k miles that has developed a rhythmic "thump" or "thunk" sound that happens around 20-45mph. It almost sounds like you are driving on a highway with the concrete separator gaps spaced evenly and frequently. It can be felt in the steering wheel and gas pedal, and seems to go away as I accelerate past 50mph. In an effort to troubleshoot I replaced the front passenger side wheel (it seemed like this is where it was coming from) with the spare donut tire and it felt like it got worse. I have a call into my mechanic but was wondering if any of you have an idea as to what it may be. Initially I thought I bent a wheel or had an out of round tire but after the spare tire experiment I am wondering if its something suspension related. Just as an FYI my mechanical skills go as far as doing a brake job or replacing an alternator. Anything beyond that, I know enough to be dangerous but not all that helpful.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 05:21 PM
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2005 CLK500
Wheels out of balance? Often is the case when a problem only shows up at a certain MPH range. Had a customer in a few weeks ago and their passenger seat would shake at a certain speed, and then go away. I offered up that the wheels might be out of balance, and sure enough, they were.

Easily the simplest and cheapest thing to check first.
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