Howling noise from the front
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 8
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S63
Howling noise from the front
Any ideas what is making my car - S63 with 4matic - howl infrequently?
Car is OEM and happens on both summer and winter tires but typically when turning although has started to happen when I drive in a straight line as well.
It only happens at low (<15mph) speeds.
I see lots of posts about bearings or differentials noises, but typically these noises are constant as you drive. My howl is infrequent and hard to replicate.
I feel it is coming from the driver side, and you can feel the vehicle reverberate slightly as well.
Dealer cannot figure it out. No signs of anything rubbing or damage.
Car is OEM and happens on both summer and winter tires but typically when turning although has started to happen when I drive in a straight line as well.
It only happens at low (<15mph) speeds.
I see lots of posts about bearings or differentials noises, but typically these noises are constant as you drive. My howl is infrequent and hard to replicate.
I feel it is coming from the driver side, and you can feel the vehicle reverberate slightly as well.
Dealer cannot figure it out. No signs of anything rubbing or damage.
Last edited by NF204; Dec 27, 2019 at 08:07 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,694
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
If you believe the noise is infrequent and not related to vehicle speed, engine speed or throttle position, it must be caused by something with intermittent operation.
Be very precise about ruling out tire noise over certain paving surfaces. This week I drove on some very fresh macadam (asphalt) and my 30k mile tires were singing loudly. Some road surfaces create strange sounds with tires of various designs and condition.
Other possibilities, each can be ruled out using systematic testing and observation:
- brakes/ESP system
- power steering, not sure if this vehicle has electric or hydraulic power steering
- air suspension
- climate control - a/c compressor or blower
Be very precise about ruling out tire noise over certain paving surfaces. This week I drove on some very fresh macadam (asphalt) and my 30k mile tires were singing loudly. Some road surfaces create strange sounds with tires of various designs and condition.
Other possibilities, each can be ruled out using systematic testing and observation:
- brakes/ESP system
- power steering, not sure if this vehicle has electric or hydraulic power steering
- air suspension
- climate control - a/c compressor or blower
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 254
2014 S550 AMG, 2017 XT5
Any ideas what is making my car - S63 with 4matic - howl infrequently?
Car is OEM and happens on both summer and winter tires but typically when turning although has started to happen when I drive in a straight line as well.
It only happens at low (<15mph) speeds.
I see lots of posts about bearings or differentials noises, but typically these noises are constant as you drive. My howl is infrequent and hard to replicate.
I feel it is coming from the driver side, and you can feel the vehicle reverberate slightly as well.
Dealer cannot figure it out. No signs of anything rubbing or damage.
https://youtu.be/QAkRqs_0usc
Car is OEM and happens on both summer and winter tires but typically when turning although has started to happen when I drive in a straight line as well.
It only happens at low (<15mph) speeds.
I see lots of posts about bearings or differentials noises, but typically these noises are constant as you drive. My howl is infrequent and hard to replicate.
I feel it is coming from the driver side, and you can feel the vehicle reverberate slightly as well.
Dealer cannot figure it out. No signs of anything rubbing or damage.
https://youtu.be/QAkRqs_0usc
For smiles and giggles, when it happens again while turning, stop and just put it into reverse while leaving the wheel in that position. Also, when it happens, throw the car into Neutral. Just to eliminate and narrow down some more options.
Last edited by Nice Ride; Dec 28, 2019 at 02:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
S63
Question, if you do not move the steering wheel at all, does the sound stop? I had a very similar problem and it was the steering wheel linkage. It got progressively worse over time.
For smiles and giggles, when it happens again while turning, stop and just put it into reverse while leaving the wheel in that position. Also, when it happens, throw the car into Neutral. Just to eliminate and narrow down some more options.
For smiles and giggles, when it happens again while turning, stop and just put it into reverse while leaving the wheel in that position. Also, when it happens, throw the car into Neutral. Just to eliminate and narrow down some more options.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 669
Likes: 81
S63 COUPE M157
I have been experiencing exactly the same noise on my 15 S63 Coupe. I could replicate it every time I wanted to. After an investigation of a technician I have been told that it comes from CCB brake rotors and it has something to do with their alignment.
My front CCB rotors have been replaced and the noise “almost” disappeared. Now, it comes only occasionally and is not as loud.
It definitely has something to do with the brakes. I wonder, do you also have CCB on your S63?
My front CCB rotors have been replaced and the noise “almost” disappeared. Now, it comes only occasionally and is not as loud.
It definitely has something to do with the brakes. I wonder, do you also have CCB on your S63?
Last edited by GMBALL; Apr 28, 2020 at 12:38 PM.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
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S63
I have been experiencing exactly the same noise on my 15 S63 Coupe. I could replicate it every time I wanted to. After an investigation of a technician I have been told that it comes from CCB brake rotors and it has something to do with their alignment.
My front CCB rotors have been replaced and the noise “almost” disappeared. Now, it comes only occasionally and is not as loud.
It definitely has something to do with the brakes. I wonder, do you also have CCB on your S63?
My front CCB rotors have been replaced and the noise “almost” disappeared. Now, it comes only occasionally and is not as loud.
It definitely has something to do with the brakes. I wonder, do you also have CCB on your S63?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 254
2014 S550 AMG, 2017 XT5
Its not the steering rack. It is a steering linkage. I will try to post the repair they did ( And, NOT covered under CPO ). It will get progressively worse if it is the same problem I had. It will only happen when you move the steering wheel and most noticeable at slow speeds <30
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 29
From: Southern California
Mercedes S550
Check the adjustments for the 6 round airflow vents on the dash. The little silver knobs, of which there are 4, adjust the airflow through these vent. I found that a low to medium adjustment setting causes a whistling or singing sound, caused by the airflow. If it starts to sing, I turn the knob to full off. Give it a try.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 481
Likes: 306
2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
It's the brakes ...had a Bentley that did this exact same thing. You can lightly touch the brakes to see if it goes away.
It's a harmonic resonance similar to running a wet finger along the rim of a wine glass.
Harmless ...ignore it.
It's a harmonic resonance similar to running a wet finger along the rim of a wine glass.
Harmless ...ignore it.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 69
From: North Texas
Presently 19 S560 SEDAN, 2014 XK, SOLD GLE 450e
The howling on my S560 is the dang cooling fan coming on when I don't think it should. Saying it's 71 degrees F outside and I drive three miles to the store and back, All under 45 mph and the dang fan comes on howling like a banshee. Yes, it is iintermittent but imho should never have come on under those conditions I know it's a variable fan, yes indeedy, but this is ridiculous. My S560 Coupe never, ever did this non sense. Just ranting. It has little to do with the original posters complaint.. Sue me.
