Ticking noise - not lifters - transmission?

Subscribe
Nov 1, 2013 | 09:45 PM
  #1  
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
Reply 0
Nov 2, 2013 | 12:04 PM
  #2  
Hopefully your tranny was serviced at some point. They were originally "lifetime", but then MB changed that.
Reply 0
Nov 2, 2013 | 12:19 PM
  #3  
Quote: Hopefully your tranny was serviced at some point. They were originally "lifetime", but then MB changed that.
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
Reply 0
Nov 2, 2013 | 07:12 PM
  #4  
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?
Reply 0
Nov 2, 2013 | 11:14 PM
  #5  
Can you post a video?
Reply 0
Nov 2, 2013 | 11:49 PM
  #6  
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!
Reply 0
Nov 3, 2013 | 01:27 AM
  #7  
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,,
Reply 0
Nov 3, 2013 | 02:06 PM
  #8  
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.
Reply 0

MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

Explore
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Nov 3, 2013 | 03:06 PM
  #9  
You can try uploading it to youtube and then just posting the link up.
Reply 0
Nov 3, 2013 | 08:44 PM
  #10  
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.
Reply 0
Nov 4, 2013 | 11:55 PM
  #11  
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.
Reply 0
Nov 5, 2013 | 11:53 PM
  #12  
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

Ticking noise - not lifters - transmission?-dsc04644-copy.jpg   Ticking noise - not lifters - transmission?-dsc04678-copy.jpg  

Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE