2011 Mercedes E550 4Matic Shudder/Vibration
#1
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2011 Mercedes E550 4Matic Shudder/Vibration
This car has developed a horrible vibration and/or shudder on acceleration. Mileage is 172k highway miles. I have taken the initiative and made several at home repairs (myself). The vibration and shudder has improved a lot but it is still very nasty on acceleration and at speed. It is actually harder now to identify where it is coming from. I will try again tomorrow.
Repairs Made:
1. Full tune up, coils, plugs, filters; made a noticeable improvement.
2. Changed both lower control arms (the big one in towards the front and the middle one on both sides of the front of the car); again, made a noticeable improvement in ride quality for sure.
3. Changed trans mount because I was already under the car and it has 172k miles; unsure if it made an improvement; and
4. Changed front sway bar end links. Made a difference in ride quality, completely removed a clunking sound while driving.
What did not fully resolve is the vibration (very strong) on acceleration and at speed. I now think it could be coming from somewhere behind the driver's seat. I had many shudders and vibrations in the steering wheel, floor pan (drivers' side) and seat. Most of that has resolved, however, as I said the vibration is quite potent.
Any ideas? I don't want to keep throwing parts at it, but the local dealer is a total rip-off and often misdiagnose problems and the local indie shops aren't much better. I'd like some advice from some experienced people. The flex disc was very good btw.
This is not a casual vibration. It really ruins the ride and frightens my wife. I've never owned a Mercedes that vibrated that badly.
Don
Repairs Made:
1. Full tune up, coils, plugs, filters; made a noticeable improvement.
2. Changed both lower control arms (the big one in towards the front and the middle one on both sides of the front of the car); again, made a noticeable improvement in ride quality for sure.
3. Changed trans mount because I was already under the car and it has 172k miles; unsure if it made an improvement; and
4. Changed front sway bar end links. Made a difference in ride quality, completely removed a clunking sound while driving.
What did not fully resolve is the vibration (very strong) on acceleration and at speed. I now think it could be coming from somewhere behind the driver's seat. I had many shudders and vibrations in the steering wheel, floor pan (drivers' side) and seat. Most of that has resolved, however, as I said the vibration is quite potent.
Any ideas? I don't want to keep throwing parts at it, but the local dealer is a total rip-off and often misdiagnose problems and the local indie shops aren't much better. I'd like some advice from some experienced people. The flex disc was very good btw.
This is not a casual vibration. It really ruins the ride and frightens my wife. I've never owned a Mercedes that vibrated that badly.
Don
Last edited by DMB Esq; 06-11-2024 at 08:53 PM.
#2
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MY'14 W212 M276 3.5NA @60kMi
Everything you've replaced is a seriously good maintenance list.
You still have premium vibrations...
Have a look at your 4MATIC front shafts for bearing issue and also propeller shaft carrier bearing in the center.
To avoid 'spensive surprises maintain these items...
🤞
You still have premium vibrations...
Have a look at your 4MATIC front shafts for bearing issue and also propeller shaft carrier bearing in the center.
To avoid 'spensive surprises maintain these items...
- Tranny oil + 4Matic + rear differential
- DOT4 Brake drain
- Serpentine idlers + tensioner + belt
- interior cabin air filter
- thermostat + coolant drain
- (power steering oil?)
- secondary chain tensioners
- in-tank gas filter
- ....
🤞
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; 06-12-2024 at 12:05 AM.
#3
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What exactly is the "front shafts bearing issue"? Are you referring to the front wheel bearings on each wheel? They don't *seem* to be making any noises.... :/ I did check them and there was zero play in them with the wheel on. If that is what you are referring to, I can replace them myself, it's just I don't want to do that if it is not absolutely necessary and I'm not familiar with what is a good or bad bearing in that case. Usually they make some kind of noise or play in the wheel even if ever so slight.
Is there any visual way to determine the carrier bearing issue either visually or through manipulation?
Thanks,
Don
Is there any visual way to determine the carrier bearing issue either visually or through manipulation?
Thanks,
Don
Last edited by DMB Esq; 06-12-2024 at 08:42 AM.
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W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
Last time I had a VERY costly drive line shudder...I mean, spendy.....wheel bearings, motor/trans mounts, arms....on and on and on....it was a cracked rim (that somehow did not let the tire leak air)....
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2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Since ur car is 4-matic, what Cali meant is this "weak" component of a 4-matic.
ITEM 4
ITEM 5 of above................
This one too, a possibility
ITEM 4
ITEM 5 of above................
This one too, a possibility
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#7
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Thank you for your COMPREHENSIVE (and I truly appreciate it) response.
I can replace the item marked 5-- the forward prop shaft fairly reasonably if necessary, however, I am having a heck of a time locating a part or a better diagram than the one you posted with respect to item #4. Is this the part you are referring to and can you confirm what part # would fit this vehicle/configuration? E550 4matic Sedan 2011?
The only part # I could locate is A2212710248, however, I'm uncertain if that is the correct part in the event it needs to be replaced.
I found that part # through google searching, could not locate it on any of the usual web sites, including MB.
Thank you,
Don
I can replace the item marked 5-- the forward prop shaft fairly reasonably if necessary, however, I am having a heck of a time locating a part or a better diagram than the one you posted with respect to item #4. Is this the part you are referring to and can you confirm what part # would fit this vehicle/configuration? E550 4matic Sedan 2011?
The only part # I could locate is A2212710248, however, I'm uncertain if that is the correct part in the event it needs to be replaced.
I found that part # through google searching, could not locate it on any of the usual web sites, including MB.
Thank you,
Don
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#8
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MY'14 W212 M276 3.5NA @60kMi
Look carefully at Surya's research post above. He is showing your transfer case + front differential.
Thank you MS!
the weakest link goes first... "front Diff"
>> Go check your 4Matic front differential for free play between front wheels.
The transfer case is built in the tranny with plenty of clean ATF. It's more robust unlike front diff. only 1Qt of dirty 75w90 gear oil rarely serviced.
Do yourself a favor add a MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG to capture all the grits and pieces.
Enjoy ur troubleshooting.
Thank you MS!
the weakest link goes first... "front Diff"
>> Go check your 4Matic front differential for free play between front wheels.
The transfer case is built in the tranny with plenty of clean ATF. It's more robust unlike front diff. only 1Qt of dirty 75w90 gear oil rarely serviced.
Do yourself a favor add a MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG to capture all the grits and pieces.
Enjoy ur troubleshooting.
#9
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How do you recommend that I check for "free play" -- and how do you define "free play" -- not being a wise guy here, just want to make sure I'm understanding. Assuming I find "free play", I would assume I'd check the Universal joint first for slop or clicking or other non-standard behavior to rule out the front differential assembly??
Thanks again,
Don
Thanks again,
Don
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MY'14 W212 M276 3.5NA @60kMi
testing 4M
How do you recommend that I check for "free play" -- and how do you define "free play" -- not being a wise guy here, just want to make sure I'm understanding. Assuming I find "free play", I would assume I'd check the Universal joint first for slop or clicking or other non-standard behavior to rule out the front differential assembly??
Thanks again,
Don
Thanks again,
Don
You're looking for source of VIBRATIONS, this translates as extreme free-play.
The damages are going to be pretty obvious that you won't miss it.
You said the adjustable wheel bearings are not loose, then concentrate on front diff, shafts and transfer case.
Rotate, pull, wobble, yank on shafts to expose unexpected freeplay.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; 06-12-2024 at 08:13 PM.
#11
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An easy way to check if it is center differential related is to observe if the car makes serious shudder when making sharp turns like in parking lots.
#12
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Book it in to a genuine Mercedes Dealer Service Centre
where trained specialists who have come across such problems before
can put it on the hoist and know exactly where to look.
They have a team of auto techs who can exchange ideas on the problem
It doesn't cost that much money and it is better than guessing
where trained specialists who have come across such problems before
can put it on the hoist and know exactly where to look.
They have a team of auto techs who can exchange ideas on the problem
It doesn't cost that much money and it is better than guessing
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Book it in to a genuine Mercedes Dealer Service Centre
where trained specialists who have come across such problems before
can put it on the hoist and know exactly where to look.
They have a team of auto techs who can exchange ideas on the problem
It doesn't cost that much money and it is better than guessing
where trained specialists who have come across such problems before
can put it on the hoist and know exactly where to look.
They have a team of auto techs who can exchange ideas on the problem
It doesn't cost that much money and it is better than guessing
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OldManAndHisCar (07-16-2024)
#14
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The person doesn't have your skills set
They can have MB take a look at it diagnose the problem and quote the repairs
Then the person can decide which way to go
Where I live they charge $255 AUD per hour including tax which is not excessive
They can have MB take a look at it diagnose the problem and quote the repairs
Then the person can decide which way to go
Where I live they charge $255 AUD per hour including tax which is not excessive
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2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Thank you for your COMPREHENSIVE (and I truly appreciate it) response.
I can replace the item marked 5-- the forward prop shaft fairly reasonably if necessary, however, I am having a heck of a time locating a part or a better diagram than the one you posted with respect to item #4. Is this the part you are referring to and can you confirm what part # would fit this vehicle/configuration? E550 4matic Sedan 2011?
The only part # I could locate is A2212710248, however, I'm uncertain if that is the correct part in the event it needs to be replaced.
I found that part # through google searching, could not locate it on any of the usual web sites, including MB.
Thank you,
Don
I can replace the item marked 5-- the forward prop shaft fairly reasonably if necessary, however, I am having a heck of a time locating a part or a better diagram than the one you posted with respect to item #4. Is this the part you are referring to and can you confirm what part # would fit this vehicle/configuration? E550 4matic Sedan 2011?
The only part # I could locate is A2212710248, however, I'm uncertain if that is the correct part in the event it needs to be replaced.
I found that part # through google searching, could not locate it on any of the usual web sites, including MB.
Thank you,
Don
Item 4 is a sad story, it is not sold stand alone. I hope yours is not having issue there but inspection is a must.
Item 4 is part of the 722.9 tranny for 4-matic
This is a damaged item 4 and its supporting hardware, by Master Tasos
.
If your problem is the front propeller shaft from tranny azz to front DIFF, you got to fix it fast.
If that thing snap/broken, it will hit many things and damage A LOT of things.
Search this forum and you will see the carnage.
Sample carnage
.
The propeller shaft
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#16
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Have the flex discs ever been changed? Symptoms of worn flex discs mirror your driveline shudder under load as per FCP Euro's Meyle Kit #0004110000 description...look at the bottom of the page. Also search YouTube about faulty flex disc symptoms...I recall viewing one where the guy was trying to track down a bad driveline shudder such as yours.
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Raj1471 (06-13-2024)
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Thanks,
Don
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Yeah, borrowed some lift time from my friend at his shop. Looks like the front prop shaft is real sloppy at the u-joint. He only had a couple minutes, so we'll diagnose it again after hours and get it done. He wants to be a bit more thorough regarding the front diff. something about carrier bearings and something about that output shaft, but, we'll see after we get it up there and drop the exhaust.
Thanks,
Don
Thanks,
Don
What you're dealing with is the early stage of this.... but you knew better than to ignore weird noises.
It's not gonna be a bargain but far cheaper than everything scattered into pieces.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; 06-14-2024 at 05:43 PM.
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Look carefully at Surya's research post above. He is showing your transfer case + front differential.
Thank you MS!
the weakest link goes first... "front Diff"
>> Go check your 4Matic front differential for free play between front wheels.
The transfer case is built in the tranny with plenty of clean ATF. It's more robust unlike front diff. only 1Qt of dirty 75w90 gear oil rarely serviced.
Do yourself a favor add a MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG to capture all the grits and pieces.
Enjoy ur troubleshooting.
Thank you MS!
the weakest link goes first... "front Diff"
>> Go check your 4Matic front differential for free play between front wheels.
The transfer case is built in the tranny with plenty of clean ATF. It's more robust unlike front diff. only 1Qt of dirty 75w90 gear oil rarely serviced.
Do yourself a favor add a MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG to capture all the grits and pieces.
Enjoy ur troubleshooting.
In the post above it looks like part 4 is internal to the transmission and is a universal joint? It is stated that part 4 is not sold separately. Later cali mentions it looks like its external to the transmission and same with the video and they say replace it asap upon noise or anything which would lead me to think it is available.
Thanks,
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2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Quint,
Item 4 has the cardan joint of the cross joint inside it. we cant see it without a boroscope
Here Maktrans has it for sale stand alone, but the type/number of splines on one's car must be first confirmed.
https://maktrans.net/SQGX7229
.
Here is very clear explanation on item 4 by Master Tasos, which usually its bearing also get damaged, if not the cardan joint inside it.
Item 4 has the cardan joint of the cross joint inside it. we cant see it without a boroscope
Here Maktrans has it for sale stand alone, but the type/number of splines on one's car must be first confirmed.
https://maktrans.net/SQGX7229
.
Here is very clear explanation on item 4 by Master Tasos, which usually its bearing also get damaged, if not the cardan joint inside it.
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I remember that parts canon experience you shared with us. Where's that canon now? On display at some war memorial?
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Quint,
Item 4 has the cardan joint of the cross joint inside it. we cant see it without a boroscope
Here Maktrans has it for sale stand alone, but the type/number of splines on one's car must be first confirmed.
https://maktrans.net/SQGX7229
.
Here is very clear explanation on item 4 by Master Tasos, which usually its bearing also get damaged, if not the cardan joint inside it.
https://youtu.be/_ryAcAfjTGY?t=521
Item 4 has the cardan joint of the cross joint inside it. we cant see it without a boroscope
Here Maktrans has it for sale stand alone, but the type/number of splines on one's car must be first confirmed.
https://maktrans.net/SQGX7229
.
Here is very clear explanation on item 4 by Master Tasos, which usually its bearing also get damaged, if not the cardan joint inside it.
https://youtu.be/_ryAcAfjTGY?t=521
Wonder if that rear joint is assessable from under the vehicle with trans in place. Gonna have to look at some more videos if available. Thanks for the info.
Edit: after watching the beginning of video I see now how its removed. Not to bad but still looks a pain.
Last edited by Quint22; 06-16-2024 at 10:57 PM.
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2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
I think MB has no where else to place a 2nd cardan/universal joint.
Using 2 of them , one of each end is the better practice.
https://www.beldenuniversal.com/know...output%20shaft.
Using 2 of them , one of each end is the better practice.
https://www.beldenuniversal.com/know...output%20shaft.