tripleblack2002

OK, I am having one of those diagnostic problems. My 2002 ML500 (95k miles) has developed a "clunk" that only occurs when starting from a full stop. Its more of a feeling you detect (strongly feels like it comes from the front driver's side) through the floorboards rather than hearing it with your ears.

If I feather the throttle and take off very smoothly, it will not do it. It does not manifest at any other time or speed or gear.

I've checked the brakes, wheels and visually inspected things, no joy.

Power steering IS leaking (has been for some time).

My suspicions (based on pure guesswork):

1. Driver side cv drive axle is bad.

2. Power steering is involved somehow.

3. Transfer case is bad.

4. God hates me (OK, this is based on a lot of other evidence, too long a list to present here).

Any of you big brains out there, if you can shed some light, I'd appreciate it. After the last few year's experience with the Stealership, I trust them about as far as I can heave the ML.

azinn

Could be the motor mounts have gone south.

tripleblack2002

Yes, I thought of that too (because God hates me I forgot to list that possibility - couldn't be because of encroaching senility). Also the transmission mount (less likely).

Sigh, I can see that I will just have to jack up the car and look at those mounts.

55fanatic

to see if its the motor mount... put car in drive, keep foot on brake, give gas... with the hood open you or a second person should EASILY be able to see the engine twist heavily

fkong777

Motor mount. I lived with it for 6 months couldnt figure it out because it sound so much like a driveline or suspension part. I just took it to the dealer since my warranty covered it.

It will get worse.

55fanatic

neither could I for the life of me... I thought it was my transmission ready to die... it was so perfectly timed with the first 5 miles an hour of driving...