Driveline "surging" while cruising
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2006 E350 4MATIC Wagon
Driveline "surging" while cruising
I have a 2004 E500 Wagon 4MATIC with 213K and I am experiencing what I can only describe as surging while cruising, especially uphill. The car doesn't do it while accelerating or coasting, only while staying at a constant speed with light throttle. I don't suspect the engine as the RPM's don't surge/change and the engine pitch doesn't change, so I suspect more the transmission side of things. I recently did a full driveline service, except for the transmission. I also installed new front axles and a new front driveshaft. I am planning on doing my transmission service (fluid, filter, conductor plate) in a week or two, when I get the time. The transmission is not leaking any fluid, but I suspect it is old. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and has a possible idea. I'm leaning towards a transmission/torque converter at the moment.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Last edited by Zaffer; Oct 10, 2024 at 02:30 PM. Reason: Added more information
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2006 E350 4MATIC Wagon
Axles and driveshaft are OEM and the flanges of the driveshaft were centered when installed (I did the installation). The surging isn’t in time with rotation either and is not harsh, but there. The old driveshaft had worn/notchy joints as did the axles, which is why I replaced them. It ALMOST feels like the torque converter is switching between full lock-up and 90-95% lock-up. If I accelerate while this is happening, it goes away.
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2006 E350 4MATIC Wagon
Probably at this point, I’ll do the transmission service and catch/inspect the old fluid. If that doesn’t work, component replacement time😠.
Luckily, on this front, I can get a low mileage transmission for around $900. I just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced what I have described and could give some insight.
Luckily, on this front, I can get a low mileage transmission for around $900. I just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced what I have described and could give some insight.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
INCONCLUSIVE TROUBLESHOOTING ....
Is the chassis height lower than stock... that can workout the CV-joints.
how are the front wheel bearings ?
Any chance you can hookup a acanner before replacing tranny with used one..?
how are the front wheel bearings ?
Any chance you can hookup a acanner before replacing tranny with used one..?
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2006 E350 4MATIC Wagon
The front wheel bearings have no play and are quiet.
There are no faults in the driveline. I have an Autel Maxisys Elite. I haven’t monitored while driving, but plan on doing so.
The surging isn’t bad, and a lot of people probably wouldn’t notice, but I live in a hilly area and it’s most noticeable on an uphill climb with light gas pedal pressure. I plan on doing a transmission service first to see if that fixes anything, plus I’m not sure when or if it has ever been done.
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From: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
2004 W211 E320 Sport
I'm hoping this isn't an example of the dreaded transmission "jerk" when shifting into second gear, when the engine/transmission isn't warmed.
A relatively violent jerk when changing gears, before the gearbox is warmed up. Mine has done it for approx 10,000 miles, and I'm aware that it may cost more to fix than the car's worth (04 E320 Sport, 130,000 miles).
A relatively violent jerk when changing gears, before the gearbox is warmed up. Mine has done it for approx 10,000 miles, and I'm aware that it may cost more to fix than the car's worth (04 E320 Sport, 130,000 miles).
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2020
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2006 E350 4MATIC Wagon
The front driveshaft has been replaced with an OEM unit and it was doing it both before and after with no change. The RPM’s don't change when it is occurring. It almost feels like the torque converter unlocking/locking slightly. The converter does take a second or two longer than normal to engage when going from a stop, at least when compared to my wife’s ‘06 E350 4MATIC.
At this point it looks like I’ll have to do the transmission service first and then report back. All other fluids have been changed and made a huge improvement in the way it drives: no more binding when turning being the main resolved issue.
At this point it looks like I’ll have to do the transmission service first and then report back. All other fluids have been changed and made a huge improvement in the way it drives: no more binding when turning being the main resolved issue.
