W203 c180k Coupe Rattle driving me mad!

[mathoo19]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post, first time merc owner after many audis and VWs.

I bought this old C-class coupe last week and only just noticed that it came with a really annoying/worrying rattle coming from the gearbox area/centre console.

Best way to describe it would be to compare it to a card in a bicycle wheel. It gets faster if I drive faster, disappears if I turn left and gets louder if I turn right.


Quick search on here - parking brake cable bracket broken and rubbing on prop.

So I took it to a local garage today, put it on a ramp/lift, moved the heat shield in the front as recommended in the post on here... Nothing. Brake cable seems to be in place, clip holding it in place.

Garage noticed that there was a slight play in nearside lower arm so I got that replaced and some bracket on exhaust got welded up as they thought it might be the cause..

They claim that they checked everything under/around gearbox and that there is nothing that could rattle.
So their opinion is that it's the gearbox! And recommended to take it to trannie specialist.



I only bought this car last week and already spent loads of time fixing mirrors/indicators, thermostat, service(I knew about all of these when buying)

But I didn't expect this..

Any ideas what it could be?

As I said it stops when turning left and gets louder when turning right..

Any advice will be appreciated as I am a bit panicky after being told that it's probably the gearbox.

Thank you!

 

[E270 Owner]

Was the noise there on the test drive ?

I would have queried it from the start with the seller.

The garages advice is correct, get it looked at by a transmission specialist.

 

[mathoo19]

To be honest I haven't noticed it on the test drive. I was trying to listen for noises but somehow missed this one. Trust me I'm ****** of with myself...

It only rattles when moving. Doesn't make any noise when stationary in any gear..

I spoke to a local transmission specialist and they will have a look at it on Monday afternoon.

First thing he said was that it's the parking brake/props shaft and that the other garage probs missed something.. But they will check it out for me. I hope he is right.. Can't exactly afford gearbox work.

If it's the gearbox Why would it only make noise when going straight or turning right though?

 

[mathoo19]

It's not very loud. U can't hear it if you have your window down etc

 

[mathoo19]

Found this.. http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/128504-w203-c180-2-0-constanthi-rattle-when-driving.html

The exact issue here..

 

[mathoo19]

Just in case anybody was interested....

After 3 visits to 2 different garages.. 2 lower arms and some other crap replaced..

It was the god damn clip!

But at least i got those arms done..didn't know they needed doing..

Getting transmission serviced on Monday... She should be all good then.. Yay

 

[Cclassy12]

Just in case anybody was interested....

After 3 visits to 2 different garages.. 2 lower arms and some other crap replaced..

It was the god damn clip!

But at least i got those arms done..didn't know they needed doing..

Getting transmission serviced on Monday... She should be all good then.. Yay

Have you any picture of the clip do you know the name of them? Thanks