Help! Merc 190D Diff problem

[alf]

Hi, any Merc 190 owners out there? I'de really appreciate any advice. I've just bought a 190D 2.5 manual on a J plate with 70,000 on the clock. Seems to be some play in the drivetrain. For instance, when I pull off in 1st or put on power after changing gear there's a slight bump from the back and slight jerk as if drivetrain is loose, so when the power comes on the delay causes the jerk - makes changing gear smoothly v. difficult. Has anyone experienced this phenomenum in a manual and is it usual for 190s? I also get a diff whine at 50-70 mph. I really want to get the car 'right' and wonder if I need a new diff or propshaft?
The play in the drivetrain may be unrelated to the whine and so I thought the looseness could be gearbox or diff mountings or bushing at the back. Really appreciate any thoughts on this, many thanks and best wishes, Alf.

 

[Birdman]

Check the rear big subframe bushes and replace if needed as they give noise isolation. Could be the pinion bearing in which case it may worsen. If there's a steady faint whine it is likely caused by tooth contact and unlikely to get worse, so change the diff oil and use a thick one and keep it topped up.

These cars are unfortunately known for their noisy diffs - mine was noisy from new although it reduced to unnoticeable when I sold it at one year/10,000 miles. Reconditioned units rarely carrry a guarantee to be free of whine but worth a try.

 

[television]

You have the UJ's in the prop shaft also the pinion bearing also half shaft splines.

the way to check is to jack one side of the car, put it in gear and turn the lifted wheel, you will then see and hear where the slack is, it could be a little bit of all of it.
If most of the problems are in the diff, its worth going to a specialist repairer who does nothing but diff's
malcolm

 

[Adrianh1]

Hi, any Merc 190 owners out there? I'de really appreciate any advice. I've just bought a 190D 2.5 manual on a J plate with 70,000 on the clock. Seems to be some play in the drivetrain...

I have a 190D 2.5 manual with 186k on the clock. I'm not remotely technical but I experience whiny/graunching noises at around 65mph which then goes away once you speed up or slow down - or is it resonance? Around town at low speeds there's a fair bit of what I think is axle noise, but nothing horrific. What you have described is definitely not right, but these cars are fairly good to work on, so I understand, so hopefully it shouldn't be too expensive/stressful to fix. Do you have good service history with the car? If it's only done 70k or so, then the car is a baby which should have tons of life in it yet. The 2.5 is a particularly good engine: economical, smooth when warm, and simple to maintain.

 

[alf]

190D Diff whine and play in drivetrain

Many thanks for advice, its interesting to know that this problem effects most 190's and diff whine is not a drastic problem, albiet an annoying one. I'll try to get a chap to look the diff / drivetrain over - try not to get ripped off!

Anyone know of any 190 knowledgeable garages- I want to avoid dealers and big independents - in London area? alf

 

[Adrianh1]

Anyone know of any 190 knowledgeable garages- I want to avoid dealers and big independents - in London area? alf[/QUOTE]


Well, if you find one, please let me know! I'd love to find one close to Hackney, where I live.

 

[Birdman]

I've heard this place was OK - you'd have to check out their knowledge on 190 diffs.
Lucky Motors on Druid Street, just south of Tower Bridge in East London.
07932 900411 or 020 7357 6405.

Don't be put off by the name!

 

[mattkh]

Diff whine

Hi
replace the diff oil.