Recently, my 99 SLK 230 has started shuddering when I put it in reverse in the morning. There is no problem backing, no slipping, grinding etc. It is a bit less noticeable after I haven driven it awhile and everything is at normal operating temp, but there is still a shudder. There is never a shudder in Park,Neutral or Drive. Sometimes, especially if weather is cold, tranny does need to warm up a bit before takeaway or else upshifting out of 1st is a bit delayed. Then, after the first upshift, everything is OK from then on. I had fluid changed at about 100K (bought it at 95 K and don't know any previous history), and mechanic said old fluid looked OK. New fluid has about 35K on it, and I can't check it myself. Anybody have any thoughts as to what could be going on ? Could it just be a loose cross-member, mounting bracket, etc. that shudders from reversed torque? Have others experienced this? Thanks to each one who takes the time to weigh-in on this topic!
99 SLK 230 - Reverse shudder/rumble?
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I had the same problem, particularly noticeable when reversing up sloping driveway.
Replaced the engine mounts - got rid of the serious grinding/shuddering (metal on metal) but still had a bit of noise until I replaced the transmission mount. (caution, the tranny mount can look perfect but can still need replacing)
You should be able to see if the engine mounts have lost any fluid - there are weep holes in them.
If you have done over 100k miles, all 3 will need doing soon anyway -no biggie and will drive like a new car!
As galaxys suggests, the tranny mount would be the first thing to do as you don't know if the previous owner has already done the front mounts - also the easiest and cheapest!!
Oberoi
Replaced the engine mounts - got rid of the serious grinding/shuddering (metal on metal) but still had a bit of noise until I replaced the transmission mount. (caution, the tranny mount can look perfect but can still need replacing)
You should be able to see if the engine mounts have lost any fluid - there are weep holes in them.
If you have done over 100k miles, all 3 will need doing soon anyway -no biggie and will drive like a new car!
As galaxys suggests, the tranny mount would be the first thing to do as you don't know if the previous owner has already done the front mounts - also the easiest and cheapest!!
Oberoi
BTW - pre face lift (yours) uses the same mount for left and right
Would be interesting to see if the post 2000 face lift units would fit pre face lift - there must have been an improvement to have a different mount L and R ?
Anybody fitted the later units?
If you search 'motor mounts' or 'engine mounts' you should come up with the inf.
Basically, rear mount is jack up the transmission a bit and unbolt - very easy
The fronts are doable - jack up on stands or ramp, support the sump with a flat board on top of a jack and raise the engine slightly - just enough to free the mounts (too much will pull hoses off etc)
The bolts are a pain to get at - Bazzle had a flex socket to get to them from the top but did not work for me - did them from below - 1 hr
Oberoi
Would be interesting to see if the post 2000 face lift units would fit pre face lift - there must have been an improvement to have a different mount L and R ?
Anybody fitted the later units?
If you search 'motor mounts' or 'engine mounts' you should come up with the inf.
Basically, rear mount is jack up the transmission a bit and unbolt - very easy
The fronts are doable - jack up on stands or ramp, support the sump with a flat board on top of a jack and raise the engine slightly - just enough to free the mounts (too much will pull hoses off etc)
The bolts are a pain to get at - Bazzle had a flex socket to get to them from the top but did not work for me - did them from below - 1 hr
Oberoi
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