S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

Thump sound on rear of my W220 S500 2000

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Old Sep 9, 2019 | 11:48 AM
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Mercedes S500 - 1999
Angry Thump sound on rear of my W220 S500 2000

I read some comments similar to what I explain here, but not quite what I have: while replacing the rear engine oil seal, the Merc mechanic noticed that the flexi joints for the drive shafts were in need of replacing. I ordered the joints and asked him if we should also replace the center shaft support/bearing. He said no need cause it looks ok, so we only replaced the flexi joints. Since then, I hear at the back "somewhere" this small thump noise similar to speaker woofers when driving on any road that is not completely smooth surface. No noise on smooth surfaced roads. Could it be due to the new flexi joints? Or centre shaft support? If so, why no noise on smooth surfaces?

No, it is not anything lose in the boot, as I have empties the boot of everything in there, drove around and it was the same. Also swapped the front tires with the rear, no luck.

This is the only noise I have in the car and it is really annoying.

Any help out there?
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Old Sep 9, 2019 | 11:51 AM
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2003 S500 2007 GL450
I would closely examine all of the rubber exhaust mounts, and try hard to yank the exhaust enough to make it hit something else.
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Old Sep 9, 2019 | 12:19 PM
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Mercedes S500 - 1999
Originally Posted by wallyp
I would closely examine all of the rubber exhaust mounts, and try hard to yank the exhaust enough to make it hit something else.
Thanks wallop, I will check that. But if it was the exhaust hitting something it would be a metallic sound. This one is like someone sitting in the back seat hitting the floor lightly with their feet.
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Old Sep 9, 2019 | 02:16 PM
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Center support bushing feels like someone hitting the floor with their feet , but usually only when taking off hard from a stop they are a rhythmic series of bumps to the floor

A loose exhaust can sound and feel like someone hitting floor with feet and would be more common over bumps than when taking off hard
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Old Sep 17, 2019 | 09:19 AM
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Mercedes S500 - 1999
Hi Wally, I did check the exhaust and I cannot see any problems there. Still have that annoying thump coming from the rear. It is not a loud sound, it is quite subdued but I did not have it there before. I guess I have to learn to live with it.
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Old Sep 17, 2019 | 09:40 AM
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My only suggestion would be to use a good flashlight and a lot of patience, and look everywhere for signs of where one large, heavy, rubber-mounted piece has been touching the body occasionally.
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Old Sep 17, 2019 | 09:52 AM
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Mercedes S500 - 1999
Thanks Wally. That is indeed a wise advice. I will try to find that source. The difficulty is to have access to a car lift so I can look underneath for as long as needed.
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