Shuddering noise, whilst braking

[drmacf]

Hi Chaps,

Hope all is well, tonight it would be -20 up North, so please stay warm. I got a Mercedes C class Kompressor 180- petrol 2008 model. It has aged and have done several major servicing but it runs fine.

Just had a sight nervous time last weekend, while driving on the motorway. Was in Wales , with loads of roads winding around the valleys. Whenever I brake whilst driving downhill, the car would sort of 'shudder' No problems with steering or distance of stopping, nothing. Just this uneasy noise sort of. It's fine on flat surfaces and distance time has not changed. Googled it and there seems to be various causes. From inocious to wrapping? and transmission issues?
Any advise would be much appreciated. Am down in South West Wales, Pembrokeshire so any indie there? Please do advise

Also, as it's winter, plan on changing me dipped headlights. The helpful chap at Halford recommended these bulbs- H7 12 V 55W PX26D/477.
It says they are 200% brighter, is that the truth? If legal, happy to buy them. Any other ones on the market? As I have crossed 50 now, noticed that night time driving is not what it used to be.
Thanks

Drmacf

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Was it an ABS-style shudder ?

Apologies for this basic question, but have you checked that your tyres are all in "good order," and maybe looked at the state of your brake disks and pads?

 

[W1ghty]

Front control arms ?
What mileage are you on ?

 

[W1ghty]

Hi Chaps,

Hope all is well, tonight it would be -20 up North, so please stay warm. I got a Mercedes C class Kompressor 180- petrol 2008 model. It has aged and have done several major servicing but it runs fine.

Just had a sight nervous time last weekend, while driving on the motorway. Was in Wales , with loads of roads winding around the valleys. Whenever I brake whilst driving downhill, the car would sort of 'shudder' No problems with steering or distance of stopping, nothing. Just this uneasy noise sort of. It's fine on flat surfaces and distance time has not changed. Googled it and there seems to be various causes. From inocious to wrapping? and transmission issues?
Any advise would be much appreciated. Am down in South West Wales, Pembrokeshire so any indie there? Please do advise

Also, as it's winter, plan on changing me dipped headlights. The helpful chap at Halford recommended these bulbs- H7 12 V 55W PX26D/477.
It says they are 200% brighter, is that the truth? If legal, happy to buy them. Any other ones on the market? As I have crossed 50 now, noticed that night time driving is not what it used to be.
Thanks

Drmacf

Steve at Avantgarde Mercedes , Clevedon near Bristol . MB specialist .

 

[Trickythemerc]

I had exactly the same issue and it was lower front control arms. Fitted new Lemforder and then full geometry check, all sorted

 

[drmacf]

T

Was it an ABS-style shudder ?

Apologies for this basic question, but have you checked that your tyres are all in "good order," and maybe looked at the state of your brake disks and pads?

Thanks, not an ABS style shudder. Tyres fine, brake discs I don't know. Will have a closer look. Drove around town today at 40 mph and no issues

 

[drmacf]

I had exactly the same issue and it was lower front control arms. Fitted new Lemforder and then full geometry check, all sorted

Thanks, Trickyth. Could you give me some more info please ? Could these be done by a non Mb garage?

 

[Trickythemerc]

Yes, any decent indi should be able to do them. The important bit is the geometry check, I had the full check and 4 wheel alignment done on a Hunter Hawk Eye machine.

 

[Smiley]

Most likely culprit is front suspension bushes.....but if it only occurs when going downhill then it is worth looking at rear bushes. I had the same thing on a Toyota and could not find the problem looking at the front suspension and discs - the next MOT found the problem - the rear axle bushes were advised - replacing those cured the slight vibration under braking only when going downhill.

 

[drmacf]

Most likely culprit is front suspension bushes.....but if it only occurs when going downhill then it is worth looking at rear bushes. I had the same thing on a Toyota and could not find the problem looking at the front suspension and discs - the next MOT found the problem - the rear axle bushes were advised - replacing those cured the slight vibration under braking only when going downhill.

Is it serious or could it wait for a couple of weeks?

 

[toteimerced]

I’d hazard a guess it’s the brake discs, as for suspension, it’s, it’s a pretty basic setup, any garage worth it’s sort should be able to do it, but like said, get the geometry checked after.

 

[W1ghty]

Is it serious or could it wait for a couple of weeks?

Nobody knows that buddy , because we don’t know what the problem is .

 

[Mickyh7]

Is it serious or could it wait for a couple of weeks?

It'll be a bit awkward explaining that to the Police, it it goes tits up and you wipe out a family!

 

[drmacf]

Hi Guys

Just an update, took the car to the nearest garage I knew. Started with a wheel alignment, didn't have the Hawk Eye one . Said front wheels were misaligned and did some tightening 40 quid

Took pics of the undercarriage! Spot anything nasty?
thanks