strange noise from the rear doors - Benzworld.org

azatrum · 12-10-2003, 12:16 AM

I bought my 89,190E 4 months ago. The interior was soundless then, but recently a strange cracking noise started coming from both rear doors whenever i accelerate or slow the car down. In other words, noise can be heard with a slightest movement, and it appears to b growing louder and louder. Anyone else faced this kinda problem???

**Jippi** · 12-10-2003, 08:46 AM

you heed new check straps. i had the noise for a few years and thought nothing of it but i found 2 rusted balls in the door shell and figured outthat it came from the check strap. dealer costs clost to 100 for each side, try ebay, or even a local salage yard. i got 2 new ones at a salvage yard that were in pretty good shape.
hope this helps
Jippi
1985 190e 2.3

MTI · 12-10-2003, 09:37 AM

Have you confirmed the source of the sound coming from the door shells? If so, then the check straps are the usual suspects. You should be able to confirm the sound while opening and closing the door, or if the door does not open all the way, or sticks. If the sounds "seem" like they're coming from the rear door area, then you should also take a look at the rear suspension links, since that's where they are. You might have a worn or broken suspension link.

Greg in Oz · 12-10-2003, 04:39 PM

I don't think it is Azatrum's check straps. I know the the noise he is referring to. It is an occasional, single, distinct "crack". My 190E also does it occasionally. I remember seeing it mentioned somewhere once (on the web), probably in a service bulletin. I probably didn't take too much notice then as it was prior to me owning the 190E. I think it was some issue with the door lock/strike mechanism. It is apparently a common issue with the W201. I will have to see if I can find the info again. Does anyone else know about this one? I haven't worried too much because it is only occasional.

Greg in Oz · 12-10-2003, 04:57 PM

I just had a look at www.alldata.com and for the W201 found mention of knocking noises in the door locks and also knocking noises in the check straps (so the other replies may be correct). The noise in mine does sound like a sharp solid crack in the lock region. I also saw reference to noises from manual seat adjusters on winding roads, something I also sometimes notice. Does anyone know of these problems and where to find the fixes for them?

azatrum · 12-10-2003, 04:58 PM

Thanx jippi,MTI and Greg in Oz 4 the help.Ok i sat in the back seat with my brother driving the car trying to locate the noise source and it seems 2 b coming from the rear end of the doors.I also ignored it in the begining as it was occasional, but it seems 2 b come routine now. Besides that, both the doors are really hard to open and close i mean u have to force them hard 2 open and the left side door makes a pretty loud scratching or rubbing noise which comes from the main joints or the pins or whatever they r called, which actually hold the door with the body, . Could that b the main sourse???

azatrum · 12-10-2003, 11:53 PM

Well guys, thanx again 4 the help. I just checked the doors again and i was wrong i guess.The sound seems 2 b coming from the check straps.Its that metal strip that holds the door when open right? correct me if iam wrong. Ok now i was just wondering if there is some info available somewhere that could explain a little bit about the door machanism that could help me change the straps.Thanx again guys.

azatrum · 12-15-2003, 06:59 PM

Hello guys. Iam back with the same problem. I took the panel off, but now what, the check straps are completely hidden and theres no access to them. I put my hand inside from one of the openings 2 understand the machanism of the straps but i cant get it, now i dont know how 2 change them. Is there any info available explaning the strap machanism and some info on how to change them? anyone????

azatrum · 12-15-2003, 08:44 PM

Well, i figured it out guys, now i hope that sound goes away after changing the straps.

MercedesLover · 12-15-2003, 10:47 PM

I have and older 190 E but mine is a 16 valve but I have had that same problem as well. What I did was bought four brand new doors and I fixed the problem right away.[:D] The people told me that the mechanism wears over time and makes funny noises

Ryan