WTexasRN

Hi Y'all,
OK, '01 E55 AMG, 152K, runs great. It has a few problems that I've found fixes for here on the forum. Thank you so much! Now comes something I've searched hours for and can't seen to find anything about here.
A ticking noise has started emanating from under the car. It's in sync with the engine RPMs. It's relatively light, not unlike a lifter, but also a bit deeper sounding. I got under there and tried to locate and it sounds like its coming from some where in/around the transmission. This is my first MB so I didn't know there was no dip stick in the trany tube - top says "Mercedes Workshop Only" hahaha....yeah, I'm embarrassed. Any way, so what's the deal with that?!
I will be happy to do my own reading if someone would just point me to a good thread, if there is one, and a good thread on servicing the tranny would be nice too.
Any direction or advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks

Strigoi

Hopefully your tranny was serviced at some point. They were originally "lifetime", but then MB changed that.

WTexasRN

Well, thanks for the hope, but, makes no difference now. I can do that but would sure appreciate some guideance before I get started. Can you link me to a good DIY tranny service post? I'm also working on my alternate vehicle and my truck (3rd vehicle) is in the shop, so im about to be on foot if I don't get something going quickly. I can't start on the Benz till I get the other on the road so I'll be checking in occasionally.

Thanks, Strigoi

Doug

WTexasRN

Okay, here's a little more info: It's less like a tick, more like a clatter. It happens in any gear, forward or or reverse. Sitting still or moving. The only time I can't hear it is when leaving a stop, accelerating, easy or hard, but after about 20 mph or so, road noise drounds it out anyway. Then, at that speed, when I lift off the throttle (engine deceleration) it's more pronounced. Like I said before, it's in sync with the engine RPM. I'm pretty sure I can eliminate anything with the final drive system because it's stationary when the car is. It's gotta be in the rotating (engine on) parts of the transmission, right?
Does this issue sound familiar to anyone?
Hello?

elementsk8erq

Can you post a video?

WTexasRN

I will try tomorrow. I've been working on the other hoopty till just now. I'll have to learn how to post a vid and see how it goes. Hope the sound comes through good.

Good idea. Thanks!

cm60k

If that clicky sound comes from the tranny side, it could be the torque converter or Valve body,

these two’s could cause some clicky sound, try to check them....!!

ZAYED,,

WTexasRN

Well, I recorded a vid on my phone but can't get it pasted in here. It's an mp4 file and that extension is not available from what I can tell. My crappy laptop won't play the audio right either which could be the way my phone recorded it. I just don't know. It's very possible I just don't know what the heck I'm doing. So, if you're interested, I can email it to someone who maybe could post it for me?
PM me an email and I'll be happy to try to send it to ya.

Thanks.

elementsk8erq

You can try uploading it to youtube and then just posting the link up.

Nocturnal-G

I'd check the exhaust manifold for cracks or a bad gasket. You can check for black soot if you suspect a bad gasket.

Chasing noises down can be a bit of a pain... Invest in a mechanics stethoscope, it'll save you a lot of time and trouble.

WTexasRN

Okay, I isloated it to the exhaust. It sounds like something is flopping around in the um, part that looks like a smaller version of a cat that's about half way back. The cats are right behind the headers, right? Or does it have two cats on each side? Any way, that's where it is. I beat it with a big hammer on the flange just to give it some vibration and I could hear stuff shaking around in there and the clatter got quieter but it's still there. So, looks like I need to replace the front half of the system. What can Y'all recommend? I'm interested in getting the most bang for the buck so value but not necessarily cheap.
In addition, I'm looking for a good place to get the other parts I need: breaks, console switches, sensor for the seat (SRS light is on), um, enblems, cup holder, aaaaannnnd some other stuff

I really appreciate your input, folks.

cudaized

Sounds like you were tapping on the secondary cats.
They can just be removed. Don't really need them. Most W210 exhaust mods include removing these secondary cats (and the resonator) and replacing them with an X-pipe. Search the site for threads on this topic. They are everywhere...

Also might try to see if it as one of the heat shields that is loose. It may vibrate at certain frequencies and sound like a ticking sound or metallic rattle.

Parts: try this place...www.autohausaz.com