MITCH1975

The noise started a few months ago and has now grown worse as it has gotten warmer here. When the car is started there is a strange noise that comes from directly in front of the steering wheel. It's hard to describe but is similar to a bass guitar string plucked but with 5-10 times the volume there is also a clunk that accompanies this noise. NOT HAPPY!


I am still waiting for the brake pad fix and I am getting tired of taking this vehicle in to the Dealership so much.


Has anyone else had this problem?

dieseldoc

I do not have it.

MercedesTheBest

not on mine.

decorily

Is it a warning chime....door ajar etc?

MITCH1975

No warning chime. It's coming from the engine compartment. Today nothing it is very inconsistent. Just waiting for it to blow up and catch fire.

dieseldoc

Can you record it and place it online. I hope it does not blowup or catch fire.

vratenza

Tried open the bonnet and start the engine to zero in on the source of the noise?

jamespaul

A video recording of the sound would be nice. one in the car, one outside of the car.

MITCH1975

I'll see what I can do. Like I said it is inconsistent. Yesterday not a peep. We will see what today brings.

TommiM

Not sure what a bass guitar being plucked sounds like. I had a customer describe a concern and stated that it was like when you are riding a horse.... Well Ive never ridden a horse. lol Maybe describe it in more general terms that maybe somene can relate to. What exactly is this noise? Is it a rattling noise on startup?

MITCH1975

Did not do it today.
It is sort of a rattling noise. OK here's another way to describe it. In cartoons when a spring breaks on something, it is that noise. Except a little low in pitch.
I will try and record it as soon as it does it again. It's weird in the fact the day it does it, it does it all day. Next day or three, nothing.

TommiM

Honestly I dont think I have had anyone complain of this yet.
-Is it happening on cold starts,warms starts, or doesnt matter?
-- How long after engine starts does the noise last?
If you rev up the rpms when this happens does it change pitch?
-Does it matter if its in park, or in drive?

MITCH1975

It only makes the noise when cranking the engine, after it's started, nothing.
it tends to do it more when its warmed up and I have been driving around.
I don't recall hearing it on a cold start.

TommiM

Ive seen this before actually. Now that you mention it when cranking. Repair was replacement of the transmission mount. Its a 2 piece design and it was cracked causing this very same noise when cranking only. Hope this helps.

MITCH1975

That does make sense. I will bring it to their attention. I'll have them look at it when I take it in for the brakes. If I can stand it that long.


Thanks

MITCH1975

OK, I was able to capture the sound. It is at the 4 second mark just before the chimes start. It has been a lot louder than this but it is so inconsistent.

MITCH1975

Here is another recording of it. As it gets hotter here it is getting louder.

dieseldoc

I cannot tell what the noise is?

MITCH1975

The noise happens right after the starter disengages.

dieseldoc

Will take a listen to mine when I get home. It is my wife's car.

MITCH1975

Well this has taken an interesting turn. Yesterday I started the car with my door open. Car was running no noise. As soon as I closed my door it made the sound. So it's not the starter or the motor/transmission mounts. The noise comes from directly in front of me like it's behind the instrument cluster. Also, the warmer it gets here the more it does it and it's getting louder as well. What a mystery.

MITCH1975

Mystery solved.


It is in the tilt mechanism of the steering column. When the steering wheel starts to lower it is rubbing on something. As it gets hotter the metal expands and therefore rubs more. It's only at the beginning of it's travel down. A little grease and I should be fine.
Crazy!