Rattle Noise on Rear - 1998 E240 Auto

[ferozedinpal]

There seems to be a noise towards the rear of the car everytime I am coasting. When accelerating, its fine - no problems. But when I am decelerating (Braking or not), there is a knocking/rattling/creeking sound coming from the rear. At first I thought it was a mount on the exhaust, but having checked this thoroughly i don't believe this is it.

My mechanic shares his braincells with his pet dog, and hence doesnt know the problem. Any suggestions (About the car, not the mechanic)???

 

[fredfloggle]

Propshaft UJ's ? - does this thing have a live axle or diff and half shafts ?
If the latter then could be doughnuts going pear shaped

 

[Dieselman]

The car has a centrally mounted diff and exposed drive shafts.

It could be the prop shaft bolts a bit loose, or the diff mountings loose.
Does it rattle all the time when coasting or only when going over bumps?

 

[fredfloggle]

Diff support bushes - is there a torque arm bush ? is there a torque arm ? Stick the brake on hard , lift it up and watch while it is put in drive and reverse , see what moves .

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Sounds like the propshaft I had exactly the same symptoms on my last W202.

 

[Ian B Walker]

I too would go for prop shaft doughnuts. The front one is the more likely candidate

 

[ferozedinpal]

Guys, many thanks for this. You've been fantastic. I'm going to have a look in the next few days and let you know.

Once again, cheers.

 

[ferozedinpal]

Dieselman, only when coasting