Mercedes-Benz Offers Noise Fix
This bulletin applies to 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The customer may complain about a single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off.
The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel.
If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut by one turn, the concern may be due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft.
Clean and coat the contact surface of the side shaft wheel bearing with Molykote paint. Remove the side shafts. Clean the contact surface free of dust and grease. Coat the contact surface with Molykote and leave to dry for one hour in removed condition.
Reinstall the side shafts.
Note: Before applying the low friction Molykote paint, stir or shake it thoroughly.
About the Author
Information courtesy of Mitchell 1
Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.
Mike Mavrigian
Motor Age Editor
Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.