clanking noise from rear and wheels locking up merc-c200 - 2002

[bob sank]

I have developed wierd noises from the rear-starts as a mild flapping then clanking and finally heavy metal banging noise and today the car shuddered to a halt with rear wheels locked up.Motor good,gear box working, discs and bearings replaced 18mths ago, shocks last month too. after 30mins the car goes ok and stops again after 10-15km again as if suddenly emergency braked
merc c200 kompressor coupe 2002 is the vehicle concerned

 

[AMGeed]

I'd suspect either the diff, or the driveshafts.

Is there any oil in the diff?

 

[00slk]

I had a similar thing years ago on my 450sel, turned out to be the cv's on the driveshafts.

 

[davidsl500]

I had a problem with a rear brake caliper sticking on my SL around 15 years ago. It would cause a real drag bringing the car to a halt. 30 mins later it could be driven away normally only to reappear 5 or 6 miles later. There wasn't any clanking as such but I did hear a flapping noise when reversing once. You could check the colour of the brake discs to see if they look like they are overheating - red tinge to any rusty area's. My other thought is the handbrake shoes - is your handbrake working properly?

 

[LostKiwi]

As above check your parking brake. It's not unknown for the linings to separate from the shoes.
The parking brake operates on s drum inside the rear discs. You'll need to remove the discs to get to them.

 

[bob sank]

I'd suspect either the diff, or the driveshafts.

Is there any oil in the diff?

thanks for the tips am getting my mechanic to look at all the points raised by your goodselves

 

[bob sank]

I had a similar thing years ago on my 450sel, turned out to be the cv's on the driveshafts.

thanks for the diagnosis will get that checked too

 

[bob sank]

As above check your parking brake. It's not unknown for the linings to separate from the shoes.
The parking brake operates on s drum inside the rear discs. You'll need to remove the discs to get to them.

thanks for that - will check that out too!!

 

[bob sank]

I had a problem with a rear brake caliper sticking on my SL around 15 years ago. It would cause a real drag bringing the car to a halt. 30 mins later it could be driven away normally only to reappear 5 or 6 miles later. There wasn't any clanking as such but I did hear a flapping noise when reversing once. You could check the colour of the brake discs to see if they look like they are overheating - red tinge to any rusty area's. My other thought is the handbrake shoes - is your handbrake working properly?

ok will look at that - there seems to be multiple causes possible so I will include all the pointers from your helpful replies !

 

[umblecumbuz]

A Beemer I had years ago did exactly this.
It turned out to be the diff seizing due to overheating. As it cooled down it freed up.
My fault entirely - very low diff oil caused by a leak.
When the leak was fixed and fresh oil put in, it amazingly ran fine from then on.