ML320 W164, OM642 clicking noise when accelarating
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
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2009 ML 320 CDI
ML320 W164, OM642 clicking noise when accelarating
Have you ever had a noise is like this one?
As you can see on the video, I have disabled the ESP (dyno mode) to try to isolate the problem.
For me it just happens when accelerating medium to hard, normally going uphill.
If I drive light on the gas it will not show.
It happens when driving straight or when turning as well, but always when stepping hard on the gas.
I have had the same problem on a chrysler town and country, but have approached by replacing cv axle first and it did not solve the problem.
Than I have replaced the engine mount and the noise stops, it solves the problem.
Now I have just replaced the 2 engine mounts and the transmission mount on my 2009 ML320 W164, OM642 3.0 V6 diesel with 120k miles but the noise did not stop.
I was wondering if I need to replace the cv axles but how to be sure if the noise happens when driving straight as well? Or maybe the transfer case chain?
As you can see on the video, I have disabled the ESP (dyno mode) to try to isolate the problem.
For me it just happens when accelerating medium to hard, normally going uphill.
If I drive light on the gas it will not show.
It happens when driving straight or when turning as well, but always when stepping hard on the gas.
I have had the same problem on a chrysler town and country, but have approached by replacing cv axle first and it did not solve the problem.
Than I have replaced the engine mount and the noise stops, it solves the problem.
Now I have just replaced the 2 engine mounts and the transmission mount on my 2009 ML320 W164, OM642 3.0 V6 diesel with 120k miles but the noise did not stop.
I was wondering if I need to replace the cv axles but how to be sure if the noise happens when driving straight as well? Or maybe the transfer case chain?
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2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
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2009 ML 320 CDI
Thank you Maj, but since the noise did not went away driving in dyno mode, I believe it is not from the rear shaft.
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe on dyno mode the 4 matic is disabled so the traction will be 100% front wheel.
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe on dyno mode the 4 matic is disabled so the traction will be 100% front wheel.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2016
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2009 ML 320 CDI
Anyway I have crawled under today and checked the front and rear shaft, they seemed to be ok, no major play.
I decided to make a video of the noise outside the car, with the car on Drive, Rear and Neutral.
Step on the brakes and rear brakes also on so the car did not move and I can eliminate the possibility of CV joints.
First two revs are on D. There is a noise, a little different as when running.
Third and fouth revs are on R. No noise. But when the car is allowed to run (without brakes) the noise shows on R.
Last two revs are in N, no noise.
Since the noise is not so clear on last video I made one inside the car. Car is on D, but not moving as I step on the brakes.
So if it is not the cv joints, not the mounts, not the shafts, what else could it be?
I decided to make a video of the noise outside the car, with the car on Drive, Rear and Neutral.
Step on the brakes and rear brakes also on so the car did not move and I can eliminate the possibility of CV joints.
First two revs are on D. There is a noise, a little different as when running.
Third and fouth revs are on R. No noise. But when the car is allowed to run (without brakes) the noise shows on R.
Last two revs are in N, no noise.
Since the noise is not so clear on last video I made one inside the car. Car is on D, but not moving as I step on the brakes.
So if it is not the cv joints, not the mounts, not the shafts, what else could it be?
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
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2009 ML 320 CDI
Sorry for the confusion, the noise is present in the following circumstances:
a) car driving normally, if I accelerate hard, either in D or R.
b) car driving in dyno mode, if I accelerate hard, in D, did not try in R.
c) car at 0km/h, foot all the way on the brake, if I accelerate hard, it is present only in D. Not present in R.
a) car driving normally, if I accelerate hard, either in D or R.
b) car driving in dyno mode, if I accelerate hard, in D, did not try in R.
c) car at 0km/h, foot all the way on the brake, if I accelerate hard, it is present only in D. Not present in R.
Thread Starter
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2009 ML 320 CDI
Car on D, left foot on the brake and right on the gas.
Do you believe this is the chain jumping? I would like to know if this is normal on a ML320...
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From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
It is definitely your transfer case...... what you are hearing is the chain inside skip the teeth on the sprocket. Very common with high torque output engine...... I just did a rebuild on one. The chain, the sprockets, bearings, chain guide and needle bearing are available online.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
2009 ML 320 CDI
It is definitely your transfer case...... what you are hearing is the chain inside skip the teeth on the sprocket. Very common with high torque output engine...... I just did a rebuild on one. The chain, the sprockets, bearings, chain guide and needle bearing are available online.
