New here...and thank you for all your great advice on the forum. I am a reformed BMW enthusiast and will not go back.
OK...have a 2002 Black E430 4Matic with 85,000 miles. It is in incredible shape. BUT...I have noticed that the front feels a little rough while driving. It doesnt sway or shimmy like a control arm but just rides really rough.
Also I noticed that when my wife was driving and turned right out our drive- way, the right front wheel area clicked several times. So I took it to my trusted mechanic who said I needed a new front right axle.
So here is my question...how do I know that is what I need at $1600. There is no leakage at all...just the clicking and rough ride up front. My tires are new so I think I can eliminate that...just wanting to see if anyone has anything they can suggest for me to check. Obvisouly my mechanic saw something...
Hmmm, clicking during turning? Sound like CV Joint to me. This could also affect the wheel bearings.
Do a quick check on the bearings by lifting that wheel off the ground and first grab "12 and 6 o-clock" on the tire and briskly toggle back and forth, to check for any play. There should be none. Then, do the same, at the "3 and 9 o'clock" postion. Let us know what you find.
I defer to those who know better on the W210 AWD, but are there kingpins on these models?
Had exactly the same symptoms with bad CV joint. Even with boot in good condition and grease in, the cage was cracked. I drove with it several hundreds miles suspecting front differential till I took it to my friend's shop and diagnosed it to CV joint. Make full circle on the parking lot and watch out for vibrations from bad joint.
I sold 4-Matic since, but have spare, used axles that I bought after the first experience. Let me know if you are interested for $500?
Ok...just tried turning the car in full circle...there is no vibration...but a lot of clicking going on. It is mainly when I turn the wheel sharp and in either direction while driving...
Sounds like CV joint right? Also, no grease anywhere...
If it is a CV Joint...is there something I could check to make sure it does not need a new axle...just concerned with that.
The mechanic said if it failed it could tear the transmission up...
Ok...just tried turning the car in full circle...there is no vibration...but a lot of clicking going on. It is mainly when I turn the wheel sharp and in either direction while driving...
Sounds like CV joint right? Also, no grease anywhere...
If it is a CV Joint...is there something I could check to make sure it does not need a new axle...just concerned with that.
The mechanic said if it failed it could tear the transmission up...
CV joints for these cars come in one piece with the axle ... expensive ... no way around it.
Part alone was about $700 when I checked a while back out of curiosity. Was able to replace CV boots on time.
Hope it helps.
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CV joint coming apart will not damage the transmission, but it will immobilize the car.
As I mentioned the damage to my CV wasn't optically visible till we took the boot off and cleaned the grease from the cage. Seeing more and more problems with front CV I would say the MB have a problem. Those things on FWD Volkswagens last forever taking full engine power.
Good luck.
Vehicle: on the search for another 97 202.028 many more sold
Location: boston (ish)
Posts: 36
you need a cv joint no way around it, 1600 dollars is way too much for one shaft, if hes a good mechanic he could have this done in an hour, he still as to make money but 1200 dollars profit is just crazy.
WOW...$295 seems really cheap. Had a CV Expert look at it today and said he could take it down, rebuild, new boots and all for no more than $900. Said he would need 2 days...
At $295 though...seems like $900 is still too much...
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