I just purchased a 1984 240DL in very nice condition inside and out. It has 180,000 Km on it (112,000 miles). B23F engine.
On the drive home home, a 1200 km trip, I noticed that there is a vibration that at low speeds can be felt as a slight buzzing in the brake pedal and steering wheel, but expresses itself as a loud drone or rumble at speeds between 85 and 95 kph (about 55 to 65 MPH). When I am travelling at 110kph (70 mph) it seems to have gone, although it may just be disguised by the rest of the ambient noise.
Today I checked the underside. I jacked the car up and put it on 4 jackstands, and put the car in neutral (it is an automatic). The U-joints are tight when flexed against each other by hand. There is a VERY slight amount of play in the spine/yoke assy. I could just make a slight click at this point by flexing the two components aainst each other.
I do not know how to assess the integrity of the rubber cushion and bearing that suspends the yoke,(help!), but as the rest of the drive assy. seems good I am suspicious of this joint.
Am I missing something that might also be creating this noise? Any one on the list ever have a similar problem?
Thanks
JD
92 960
89 760
65 1800S
84 240