2010 GLK350 4MATIC weird humming sound
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Joined: Sep 2014
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2010 GLK350 4MATIC
2010 GLK350 4MATIC weird humming sound
MB World members,
First off, just wanted to say it's a great pleasure to be here among fellow MB owners.
I have a 2010 GLK350 4MATIC model, and is starting to make some eery sounds and I'm hoping to seek the advice of fellow members.
The sound happens during acceleration only, which I believe rules out any braking related issues. It occurs intermittently at low speeds (around 25-40 km/h), after that speed it stops. Ventilation is turned on, but not high (only 1-2 notches).
It's also difficult to pinpoint whether the sound is coming from the front or the rear of the vehicle.
When making turns, the sound is accompanied by vibrations felt in the steering wheel. But when driving straight, no vibration is felt; only the sound is heard.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
First off, just wanted to say it's a great pleasure to be here among fellow MB owners.
I have a 2010 GLK350 4MATIC model, and is starting to make some eery sounds and I'm hoping to seek the advice of fellow members.
The sound happens during acceleration only, which I believe rules out any braking related issues. It occurs intermittently at low speeds (around 25-40 km/h), after that speed it stops. Ventilation is turned on, but not high (only 1-2 notches).
It's also difficult to pinpoint whether the sound is coming from the front or the rear of the vehicle.
When making turns, the sound is accompanied by vibrations felt in the steering wheel. But when driving straight, no vibration is felt; only the sound is heard.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Southern Calif
2013 ML350
MB World members,
First off, just wanted to say it's a great pleasure to be here among fellow MB owners.
I have a 2010 GLK350 4MATIC model, and is starting to make some eery sounds and I'm hoping to seek the advice of fellow members.
http://youtu.be/zOdPRrLPySM
The sound happens during acceleration only, which I believe rules out any braking related issues. It occurs intermittently at low speeds (around 25-40 km/h), after that speed it stops. Ventilation is turned on, but not high (only 1-2 notches).
It's also difficult to pinpoint whether the sound is coming from the front or the rear of the vehicle.
When making turns, the sound is accompanied by vibrations felt in the steering wheel. But when driving straight, no vibration is felt; only the sound is heard.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
First off, just wanted to say it's a great pleasure to be here among fellow MB owners.
I have a 2010 GLK350 4MATIC model, and is starting to make some eery sounds and I'm hoping to seek the advice of fellow members.
http://youtu.be/zOdPRrLPySM
The sound happens during acceleration only, which I believe rules out any braking related issues. It occurs intermittently at low speeds (around 25-40 km/h), after that speed it stops. Ventilation is turned on, but not high (only 1-2 notches).
It's also difficult to pinpoint whether the sound is coming from the front or the rear of the vehicle.
When making turns, the sound is accompanied by vibrations felt in the steering wheel. But when driving straight, no vibration is felt; only the sound is heard.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
2010 GLK350 4MATIC
Took it into the dealership earlier today prior to reading your post, didn't report back to me about any findings yet, but will definitely mention tomorrow and see what they can do.
After doing some more research, sounds like a known issue with that particular year and model; glad for your help, as I am just 3 weeks shy before my warranty expires.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
Yeah, if you do a search you will see that it is a common problem.
Glad you're getting it sorted out before your warranty expires!
Glad you're getting it sorted out before your warranty expires!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2014
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2010 GLK350 4MATIC
Unfortunately, I wasn't the one picking up the car from the dealership today, but after my contact relayed the information about the transfer case output bearing to the mechanic, they were sure it wasn't the case as they "checked it" themselves already. 
Instead, they replaced the rear-right side shock absorber.
Will have to drive around for a bit but, by the looks of it doesn't seem as if they solved the issue?
Instead, they replaced the rear-right side shock absorber.
Will have to drive around for a bit but, by the looks of it doesn't seem as if they solved the issue?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2014
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2010 GLK350 4MATIC
took the car in to a second dealership now, provided both audio and video evidence, claims that they cannot replicate the issue and can't repair it... informed them about the transfer case output bearing, says they cannot trace back to it... 
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Southern Calif
2013 ML350
the symptom for the bearing is the whining sound at a certain speed (about 25-30 mph for me) and then it continues as the car accelerates, if yours stops at some top end, its possible its not the bearing. Mine was very distinct and when they put it up on the hoist and increased the speed it became obvious it was the bearing, in fact its became almost hard to listen to around 65 to 70 mph as the frequency increased into a very high pitched and loud whine. They did tell me that the only way to properly diagnose it was to put it on a hoist and accelerate the car to localize the sound. If your guys didnt do that I would ask them to.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
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2010 GLK350 4MATIC
the symptom for the bearing is the whining sound at a certain speed (about 25-30 mph for me) and then it continues as the car accelerates, if yours stops at some top end, its possible its not the bearing. Mine was very distinct and when they put it up on the hoist and increased the speed it became obvious it was the bearing, in fact its became almost hard to listen to around 65 to 70 mph as the frequency increased into a very high pitched and loud whine. They did tell me that the only way to properly diagnose it was to put it on a hoist and accelerate the car to localize the sound. If your guys didnt do that I would ask them to.
They already put it up on the hoist, but sadly to no prevail.
Last edited by kjyc; Oct 6, 2014 at 04:55 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2014
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2010 GLK350 4MATIC
UPDATE: finally got the mechanic to hear the sound, and was able to diagnose as a worn carrier planetary gear set within the of the transfer case (about time); work done included installing support under transfer case, replace rear mount and support bracket, and replace planetary gear set.
But you're not gonna believe this: took it out for a spin back home and the car is still making a weird sound, like a deeper tone to the original whining sound heard.... similar conditions: upon acceleration, very brief.
Another symptom to add, car was left on neutral, then put into drive and without even stepping on the gas pedal, car rolls forward and makes the sound
Will post a YouTube video soon....
Unbelievable
But you're not gonna believe this: took it out for a spin back home and the car is still making a weird sound, like a deeper tone to the original whining sound heard.... similar conditions: upon acceleration, very brief.
Another symptom to add, car was left on neutral, then put into drive and without even stepping on the gas pedal, car rolls forward and makes the sound
Will post a YouTube video soon....
Unbelievable
