Intermittent clicking sound during driving
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Intermittent clicking sound during driving
I have a 2010 S550 4Matic that makes weird clicking sounds when accelerating, decelerating and also while turning at low speeds. The clicking sounds at low speeds sound more like a binding or light click, the clicking sounds when driving is like a thumping noise, as if something is hitting the body of the car. I’ve tried reading about this but to no avail. Some sources say it’s my driveline but that’s been replaced, some say it’s the transfer case, differential, axles, intermediate shaft bearing, etc. I’m trying to pinpoint this so I can fix it, any help is appreciated. The car does have 205467 miles on it as well, so perhaps it just needs a drain and fill for the transmission (doubtful that will fix anything)
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W221 S500
Front diff and transfer case fluid change.
For diagnostic purposes you might be able to remove the driveshaft between the transfer case and front diff to see if the noise disappears. Clicking, especially when turning is usually a sign of failing CV joints, but it could be an an indication of wear in the front drive line.
It could also be your keys tapping against the dash/column.
For diagnostic purposes you might be able to remove the driveshaft between the transfer case and front diff to see if the noise disappears. Clicking, especially when turning is usually a sign of failing CV joints, but it could be an an indication of wear in the front drive line.
It could also be your keys tapping against the dash/column.
Last edited by AL5461; Jan 14, 2026 at 12:14 AM.
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From: USA
I have a 2010 S550 4Matic that makes weird clicking sounds when accelerating, decelerating and also while turning at low speeds. The clicking sounds at low speeds sound more like a binding or light click, the clicking sounds when driving is like a thumping noise, as if something is hitting the body of the car. I’ve tried reading about this but to no avail. Some sources say it’s my driveline but that’s been replaced, some say it’s the transfer case, differential, axles, intermediate shaft bearing, etc. I’m trying to pinpoint this so I can fix it, any help is appreciated. The car does have 205467 miles on it as well, so perhaps it just needs a drain and fill for the transmission (doubtful that will fix anything)
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
Have you jacked the car up and taken a look underneath? Most guesswork can be eliminated by doing so. Why was the prop shaft replaced?
$250 for a pair of front axles on ebay all day long. At that mileage, just stab new axles in it anyway.
$250 for a pair of front axles on ebay all day long. At that mileage, just stab new axles in it anyway.
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From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
Anecdotal experience, but I've been down that road. I just can't see axles being a hard piece of kit to produce/refurbish this day and age.
Throw new case seals in it while you're at it.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
I got some from RockAuto (truth be told, I have had bad luck from RockAuto). We hunted for weeks for a vibration. The beach was, it was bad so I got a new DS shaft. Replaced it with a new one and ended up with harmonic resonance at about 40mph. After a long while I replaced the new one and the issue was gone. Even an OE is not all that expensive. Cheap rotating parts is what causes many of us searches for oddities that simply come back to rotational mass.
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Thread Starter
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At those miles, that's classic drive axle CV joint wear. The clicking on turns is the dead giveaway. The thumping under acceleration is likely the inner joint failing. Check the front axles first, especially the outer CV boots for tears. Don't waste time on a fluid change; inspect and replace the axle assemblies.
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I haven’t been under the car yet, but will try and do some diagnosis by putting it up on jack stands and putting the car in drive to see exactly what is causing the issue
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Made progress
Made some progress on the issue. Took it out driving and I believe I can rule out any torque converter/transmission issue regarding the sound. As soon as I pulled off and turned the wheel to the right, the sound was apparent. After driving a while, it was intermittent while going straight, but putting the car into neutral and coasting, I could still hear the sound. To my knowledge, the car going into neutral means no stress on the transfer case, transmission, or driveline, but the wheels still spin, which the axles are attached to. If I am wrong, please correct me, but I think the axles are the issue.
