Vibration. 560SEL - 126 Series

[11293]

Can anyone help with this problem or has anyone experienced anything similar? At various speeds a vibration sets up under the car which can be felt through the steering and through the seats. It is not consistent although it does get more noticable at faster speeds. Sometimes it smooths itself out other times it does not. Ah Ha, I hear you say. I know exactly what that is! If only it were that simple. I have had the wheels balanced more than once and checked the tyres for any imperfections or incorrect inflation. My independent mechanic then checked the propshaft and could find no joints which need replacing and no obvious play anywhere which could account for it. He did say he thought he could detect the vibration when moving the gearstick from neutral to drive. He clearly felt the vibration on a test drive but was at a loss to say exactly what it might be. The only suggestion he had to make was that he thought it might be the plate (cant remember the name - it may have been 'driveplate') between, I think, the torque coverter and the gearbox, which he said sometimes cracks. This, he thought, could account for the vibration but in order to check, the car may have to go to an automatic gearbox specialist. Before I do that I thought there must be someone in the club who may have an answer! Over to you lot! I bet Arnie would know?

 

[spanners]

Identifying vibration

Jack the rear end up and put it on axle stands.

Then drive the car with the wheels in the air. If the vibration is still there, it is related to the prop shaft or gearbox.
If it is not there, it probably isn't the propshaft gearbox. :wink:

Have you checked the steering idler bush for play?

 

[JB direct ( wigan )]

vibration

i have a slight vibration on my sprinter van similar to yours ive had wheels balanced , new front section on propshaft , both center bearings replaced , propshaft balanced , changed gearbox , new fan and drive on engine and its still there . now its just going to keep being driven until breaks . just not prepared to spend any more money on it

john

 

[Fritz]

Wheel balance and noise vibration harshness, a source.

My Merc steel wheels will just accept a steel bung of 67.081mm into their ID. They are thus suitable for a hub of 67mm.

So why are my hubs (Vito) of 66.45mm diameter? ?.And, no, the wheel bolts do NOT centre the wheels. Instead the wheels rest on part of the hub and rotate eccentrically, however carefully they are tightened. Balancing was wasted effort.

Having got the wheels properly centred, long time problems of wheel/tyre balance and vibration just vanished. A 0.29mm shim is needed between the wheel centre and the hub centre. Fitting it, with the wheel loose, on the jack is a pain but well worth it.

And another thing; the M-B standard jack let out a noise like gunfire, spewed metal across the garage and collapsed. Trust it not.

 

[Andy]

Hi

Before taking the g\box out. I would replace the propshaft centre bearing & support. We have found that sometimes these collapse or weaken & the prop is moving. I suggest this due to the vibration through the seats.


Give this ago & check back with your results.


Regards

Andy@ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[stevescage]

I have this problem on my 2.6 190 and have found the rear propshaft has a hardy spicer joint. It is well worn and will cause vibrations. I would take the propshaft of and check all couplings and joints.

Steve

 

[Barnie]

vibration

hi 11293
I had similar probs with my 200\124
Renewed most propshaft joints, no change, then I discovered my engine mounting where sitting rather low, so relaced them both ,& hey presto problem solved,
Lets know if this does the trick,
regards , Barnie

 

[Mikesmerc]

Worth having a look at engine mounts if nothing else helps, if collapsed would cause vibration.
Regards
Mike

 

[simja]

I wonder if Howard ever resolved this problem?

I have just bought a 1998 E320 estate with 70k miles.

At speeds of around 50mph upward, there is a vibration which is felt most strongly through the seats, in particular in the lower back region.

I have had the wheels re-balanced, to no avail.

I haven't found a speed at which it was possible to have "driven through" the vibrations, leading me to think that wheel balance is not the issue in any event.

Any futher thoughts on this problem from Howard or anyone else would be most welcome!

Thanks

Simja