Curious Pedulum banging!?!

[karozza]

That's the only way I can describe it!? It's as though some metal part has come loose when driving around today & keeps banging while braking or accelerating; once stopped, it bangs a little longer, then stops.

It started after sudden braking & it felt like something slid & then banged.

After studying the noise, it sounds like it's coming from between the boot & caring under where the roll bar stays when lowered.

Anyone have experience with this on an SL R 230??

Really appreciate any help as I can't drive the car until I solve this.

Was really hoping to enjoy the Easter long weekend with the SL

 

[Giantvanman]

One guess would be a heat shield but to be honest, the only way to know for sure it to either jack it up or park with one side on high kerb to look underneath. Is there anyone who could crouch down low nearby whilst you stop and move off?

 

[grober]

Sounds like a broken spring? As above you need to jack the car up [ safely] and have a look underneath

 

[karozza]

Thanks guys but pretty sure I know what it is.....a baffle in the petrol tank most probably came loose & is floating about

It's ridiculous to here of such a fault on such a car. Checked on Benzworld & it is a problem that has come up from many US owners, as well as UK & even a guy right here in Malta on an SL 55 back in 2009.

I'm amazed at the fault & to come across this now. Before buying the car, I had searched common issues & this never came up!

Next step is to take the tank out. Replacement will most probably go into four figures so will try to have it opened & repaired.

 

[ioweddie]

Have the kids put a marble or toy car in the petrol filler? happened to me years ago in my Anglia

 

[flango]

I would just get it cut open and welded back in place, much cheaper than a new tank but will take longer. Plenty of specialists in the UK but see you are in Malta

 

[lxi]

I have read of one (possibly two) owners who managed to remove the baffle with the tank in situ. From memory, he/they removed the fuel sender & used a pair of blacksmith's tongs to get it, grab the baffle & twist (damn hard I would imagine) until the baffle has "rolled up" enough to pull out the opening.

It apparently does no harm rattling & the noise is reduced the more fuel in the tank

 

[karozza]

I have read of one (possibly two) owners who managed to remove the baffle with the tank in situ. From memory, he/they removed the fuel sender & used a pair of blacksmith's tongs to get it, grab the baffle & twist (damn hard I would imagine) until the baffle has "rolled up" enough to pull out the opening. It apparently does no harm rattling & the noise is reduced the more fuel in the tank

Yes, I have read about this but cannot find precise details on the method. Also, have no idea where to get blacksmith tongs here!

I will most probably try the spring principle which pulls the baffle away from the side of the tank to avoid the noise created. So, won't be taking the tank out for now. I have read most people who tried have been successful & the problem stayed solved for years.

 

[moonloops]

I'd get some powerful rare earth magnets and drop them on to the baffle (if possible).

 

[karozza]

I'd get some powerful rare earth magnets and drop them on to the baffle (if possible).

I also like that idea but have no idea where to get these magnets!?