Vibration at rear when stopping but engaged at 'D' gear

[Sean Ng]

Hi there

My MB is a 1996 E230 Estate Auto W210 series of 140k mileage.

I wonder if somebody can point out the reasons for a recent vibration heard at the tailgate when stopping the car whilst engaging the gear at 'D'. There is no vibration when driving.

I think the rear axle is not the cause of the issue, despite I can see there is slight oil leakage. I do check the oil level regularly and the rear axle oil has just been drained and renewed with proper oil. And, if it is a rear axle problem, correct me if I am wrong, the vibration should come when driving, especially at increasing speed.

Will be grateful if somebody can tell me what is wrong and advise me what I can do in a DIY manner.

Regards
Sean

 

[pascal]

Does the vibration go away when you move selector into P?

 

[Sean Ng]

Hello there! The vibration does go away when I move selector into P (same situation when into N). Any clue?

Thanks & regards
Sean

 

[pascal]

Sean,

This may be just a shot in the dark, but because the RPM reduce when gearbox is engaged (P to D). Is the engine running smooth at this low revs.

Although, I suspect the problem is associated with rear end of drivetrain, (the diff) or gearbox torque convertor. I know very little about gearboxes, so you may wait till a few of the other guys come back from their Sunday lunch/dinner.

 

[Sean Ng]

Pascal

The engine runs smoothly at that low revs. When driving, the car is OK - no shaking or abnormalities. Before yesterday, there was no such vibration. Having limited technical knowledge about car, I suspect it is something relating to gearbox.

Thanks for your advice anyway. Now waiting for other comments.

Regards
Sean

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Check the exhaust box mountings, especially at the rear. There is a very slight change in angle of the in line engine when you engage D and it affects the exhaust. Not usually a problem but if you have a bad exhaust suspension bracket or brackets you may just be getting too much movement in the rear exhaust.

When you are stationery there is no movement in either the driveshaft or the rear differential so this would suggest the problem lies elsewhere.

 

[Sean Ng]

OlaMaxwell

Spot on. The problem was in the exhaust box mountings. Now fixed and no vibration again. Really thanks so much for your advice. Also thank Pascal for his response.

Regards
Sean

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Thanks for that. You probably saved yourself a new exhaust for another while!! Bet it was much cheaper than you expected!!