Vibration Elimination
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2009 e350 Wagon W211
Vibration Elimination
2009 E350 wagon 4matic - 190k
This will more of a repair log as I try to eliminate the vibration coming from the drive train. The vibration in question is the one when the brakes are lock and the trans is set to Drive or Reverse. This can be made worse at an off level angle. It is noted that vibration can also express when the car is in Park at a off level angle. There is no vibration when in neutral or when moving. Also noted vibration can be eliminated by setting parking brake, move into gear and loading up the drive train.
Items replaced so far in order:
Driver side front axle. Do to a torn boot and a cluck sound.
Both front motor mounts. Drive side was missing lower bolt but unit looked like a recent replacement. Passenger side was shot.
Trans mount. Suspect the old one was a replacement because the center cross member bolt was cross threaded and only half way in. Also rubber on old mount was melting do to AFT spray from trans oil pan.
Trans service. New filter new pan gasket. Over torqued pan bolts caused leak.
Next items to be replace:
flex disk (giubo)
drive shaft center support
Remove and inspect intake repair job done before my ownership. Vac leak from bad repair job?
Rebuild and reinstall old front driver side axle... maybe The new installed one MIGHT be a vibration source. Per threads found on this board <-- *edit* Not MIGHT, WAS 90% of the problem.
Other odds and ends:
Ticking sound that might be timing chain tensioner.
p0410... cleaned valves, cleaned ports to exhaust, checked vac lines, disassemble and cleaned blower, replaced relay and fuse. Suspect blower is weak and needs to be replaced but very very low priority.
Any suggestions are welcome. I will update this thread as things move along.
This will more of a repair log as I try to eliminate the vibration coming from the drive train. The vibration in question is the one when the brakes are lock and the trans is set to Drive or Reverse. This can be made worse at an off level angle. It is noted that vibration can also express when the car is in Park at a off level angle. There is no vibration when in neutral or when moving. Also noted vibration can be eliminated by setting parking brake, move into gear and loading up the drive train.
Items replaced so far in order:
Driver side front axle. Do to a torn boot and a cluck sound.
Both front motor mounts. Drive side was missing lower bolt but unit looked like a recent replacement. Passenger side was shot.
Trans mount. Suspect the old one was a replacement because the center cross member bolt was cross threaded and only half way in. Also rubber on old mount was melting do to AFT spray from trans oil pan.
Trans service. New filter new pan gasket. Over torqued pan bolts caused leak.
Next items to be replace:
flex disk (giubo)
drive shaft center support
Remove and inspect intake repair job done before my ownership. Vac leak from bad repair job?
Rebuild and reinstall old front driver side axle... maybe The new installed one MIGHT be a vibration source. Per threads found on this board <-- *edit* Not MIGHT, WAS 90% of the problem.
Other odds and ends:
Ticking sound that might be timing chain tensioner.
p0410... cleaned valves, cleaned ports to exhaust, checked vac lines, disassemble and cleaned blower, replaced relay and fuse. Suspect blower is weak and needs to be replaced but very very low priority.
Any suggestions are welcome. I will update this thread as things move along.
Last edited by illru; Jul 14, 2019 at 01:20 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 266
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
What brand of engine mounts did you install? Reason I’m asking is that I installed what I thought were OEM equivalents and I had exactly what you’re describing. Swapped out again with Lemforder and problem solved.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2009 e350 Wagon W211
The listing for the mounts say O.E.M. The mounts them self's came in individual brown boxes with only "Made in Czech Republic" on them and a sticker on the mounts with the part number. I will circle back around and replace them with Lemforder since swapping these things is easier then an oil change.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2009 e350 Wagon W211
*update*
Replaced front mounts with Lemforder brand. This did not have any effect on the vibration. I put the car in drive and set the parking brake and felt the front wheels. The front driver side vibrated much more then the passenger side. This has lead me to conclude that the axle I replace the old one with is the problem. I will be rebuilding the removed one that I think is a factory unit with new boots and grease.
Replaced front mounts with Lemforder brand. This did not have any effect on the vibration. I put the car in drive and set the parking brake and felt the front wheels. The front driver side vibrated much more then the passenger side. This has lead me to conclude that the axle I replace the old one with is the problem. I will be rebuilding the removed one that I think is a factory unit with new boots and grease.
Last edited by illru; Jul 14, 2019 at 01:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2009 e350 Wagon W211
*update 2*
Tore down, inspected and rebuilt the old CV axle with new grease and boots. Roller bearings, ball bearings and cage were still in good shape so they were reused. Installed back into diver side and now 90% of the vibration is gone. The other 10% I believe is still in the flex disk and/or drive shaft center support. Some of that vibration maybe in the motor. Still need to change plugs and look at injectors.
Do to replacing the secondary blower with no effect on the P410 code I will be building a P410 bypass unit that will not require soldering or cutting into the wiring harness.
Tore down, inspected and rebuilt the old CV axle with new grease and boots. Roller bearings, ball bearings and cage were still in good shape so they were reused. Installed back into diver side and now 90% of the vibration is gone. The other 10% I believe is still in the flex disk and/or drive shaft center support. Some of that vibration maybe in the motor. Still need to change plugs and look at injectors.
Do to replacing the secondary blower with no effect on the P410 code I will be building a P410 bypass unit that will not require soldering or cutting into the wiring harness.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 533
Likes: 39
From: Northern Hemisphere - Chicago
fleet
I am beginning to learn that this vibration (which I also have) is just something I have to live with. Maybe they should have added a upper engine mount somehow or a strut to mitigate lateral vibration.
It is also possible it is coming from the transfer case or the front differential, alot of spinning gears while stopped/applying brake.
My engine mounts were completely trashed and did help the vibration when I replaced them, but it still persists. braking gently helps, same with taking foot off brake to move car slightly at stoplight also helps "reset" the vibration
It is also possible it is coming from the transfer case or the front differential, alot of spinning gears while stopped/applying brake.
My engine mounts were completely trashed and did help the vibration when I replaced them, but it still persists. braking gently helps, same with taking foot off brake to move car slightly at stoplight also helps "reset" the vibration
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2009 e350 Wagon W211
"possible it is coming from the transfer case or the front differential"
I have not looked but there might be some rubber mounts holding those parts on that could be replaced. I'm going to have to look into that. Thank you for the idea.
I have not looked but there might be some rubber mounts holding those parts on that could be replaced. I'm going to have to look into that. Thank you for the idea.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 533
Likes: 39
From: Northern Hemisphere - Chicago
fleet
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2009 e350 Wagon W211
Changed spark plugs today. This motor is one of the easiest plug change I have done in a long while. Old plugs were heavily deposited and tips worn down. This has not been down in while on this car.
The vibration has smoothed out some.
The vibration has smoothed out some.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2009 e350 Wagon W211
That's interesting. When I push on the gas and my drivetrain "tightens up" all my vibration immediately goes away. No matter the mode. Dose yours still vibrate when you're up to speed?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 533
Likes: 39
From: Northern Hemisphere - Chicago
fleet
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 533
Likes: 39
From: Northern Hemisphere - Chicago
fleet
did you go with original MB plugs? You should see all the counterfeit plugs being sold on ebay for cheap. Who knows what they really are.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2009 e350 Wagon W211
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 340
Likes: 189
From: Europe
09 SL500, 03 E320 CDI Wagon
From my experience on high mileage cars, the driveshaft's do not only wear out the center bearing, but also the the joint and especially the spline. This can lead to the symptoms you describe.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
2009 e350 Wagon W211
Thanks for the input. I will inspect the joints and spline and see if there is any wear that needs to be addressed.
