M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Please help in understanding this noise.

Old Jan 8, 2022 | 02:59 PM
  #1  
maneesh's Avatar
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From: NJ, USA
2013 GL450, 2023 Tesla Model Y LR, 2024 Outback L XT
Please help in understanding this noise.

it is louder at low speeds, say under 10 mph. I was going back and forth on my driveway to reproduce it but was not able to. So decided to drive around the block. I do not feel any difference in the steering, driving, etc. The only thing that exists is the noise. When I drive fast, say above 30 mph, i can still hear it, it sounds like a goose honking. I can't tell whether it is coming from the front or the back. Thanks.

2002 ML320 with 148k miles.


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Old Jan 9, 2022 | 07:56 AM
  #2  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
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2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
What happens when you apply the brakes?

If the noise is still there, find an alignment shop in your area where they can suspend the car under the lower control arms which allows them to run the car in drive.

Last edited by Maj. Dundee; Apr 28, 2022 at 06:04 AM.
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Old Jan 9, 2022 | 10:49 AM
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M30ml350's Avatar
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2003 ml 350
I had a similar sound that evolved into a grinding that became constant. Crawl under the car and wiggle the driveshaft, if moves around replace the carrier bearing in the front. That was my problem.
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Old Jan 9, 2022 | 02:25 PM
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tested it again today. The noise comes even when braking.

Will have to find some time/good weather to go underneath to check the carrier bearing.

Thanks.
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Old Apr 24, 2022 | 12:09 AM
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update

I just want to provide an update on this since I had some time to look at the noise. I was trying to isolate the center driveshaft as the culprit by driving the car in neutral, but the noise still continued. So I decided to lift the rear and let the wheels spin freely to hear the noise (if no noise, then it would be driveshaft). Well I heard the noise coming from the rear right tire. no noise from the left. So I removed the wheel and brake disc to find the emergency (parking) brake to be broken. Will be replacing this, obviously, along with new pads/rotors. Hopefully, this should take care of the noise.


broken pieces of emergency brake

thanks.

Last edited by maneesh; Apr 24, 2022 at 12:14 AM.
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