Rumble Strip Vibration
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
W212 E550
Rumble Strip Vibration
W212 E550 4 Matic. 137,000 miles.
My car has developed what I can only describe as the vibration of driving over a ruble strip. This only happens at freeway speeds when slightly execrating (not down shifting).
The vibrations stops when I let up on the gas peddle.
Had my trusted shop check it and he thinks it is the planetary gears starting to age. He also said I could expect many more miles before the need to repair the transmission.
Looking for some advise or if anyone has had similar issues. Does this sound correct and good advise from the shop? Not really trusting the car now for long road trips...
Thank you.
My car has developed what I can only describe as the vibration of driving over a ruble strip. This only happens at freeway speeds when slightly execrating (not down shifting).
The vibrations stops when I let up on the gas peddle.
Had my trusted shop check it and he thinks it is the planetary gears starting to age. He also said I could expect many more miles before the need to repair the transmission.
Looking for some advise or if anyone has had similar issues. Does this sound correct and good advise from the shop? Not really trusting the car now for long road trips...
Thank you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
could be a front axle or one of the driveshafts or flex disc, need to put it on the lift in drive and spin the wheels to narrow down the vibration. I would check soon because if it is the rear U-joint on the front driveshaft, you really don't want it breaking while driving, you will be in for many thousands in repair.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 14
From: Philadelphia, PA
2014 E550 4Matic
Flex disc, U-joint on the driveshaft, a few other things can cause this, I've never heard of the transmission being the cause- that's pretty rare. What you're describing is a driveline vibration under power that goes away while coasting.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta, Georgia
2005 E320 Sedan, 2012 E350 Coupe, 2014 E350 Sedan, 2014 E350 Coupe
What I did to fix mine (DIY)
Hello,
I also had the vibration that felt like rumble strips, just as you described.
My car was purchased at auction with 190k and it was not well cared for... In fact, it was a repo.
I originally thought I needed a transmission or a rebuild or a new torque converter...
I decided to replace the transmission fluid and filter (try the cheapest things first). I bought a trans kit from FCP and a fluid pump. I then dropped the transmission pan, drained the torque converter, dropped the valve body and cleaned all the valves. Buttoned it all back up, and filled with fresh new fluid.
Success!
All my weird rumble strip vibrations are gone. Shifts like its supposed to now. (highway or anywhere else)
I also had the vibration that felt like rumble strips, just as you described.
My car was purchased at auction with 190k and it was not well cared for... In fact, it was a repo.
I originally thought I needed a transmission or a rebuild or a new torque converter...
I decided to replace the transmission fluid and filter (try the cheapest things first). I bought a trans kit from FCP and a fluid pump. I then dropped the transmission pan, drained the torque converter, dropped the valve body and cleaned all the valves. Buttoned it all back up, and filled with fresh new fluid.
Success!
All my weird rumble strip vibrations are gone. Shifts like its supposed to now. (highway or anywhere else)
Last edited by adsldrew; Jun 23, 2021 at 06:37 AM.
