CLK metallic rattling sound.....

[splodge s4]

Noticed it a few weeks ago, metallic rattling noise, sort of from underneath but quite difficult to pin point, its slowly getting worse, it sounds like a lose heat shield maybe but everything seems tight. Happens when the engine gets to about 2,000 rpm, could it be the cat? Does that tend to go & start rattling?

Its a 2001 CLK 200 compressor with 95k miles, not knowing to much about Mercs any one got any ideas?

Thanks chaps
Splodge S4

[splodge s4]

Tis quiet in here....
so no body has had a similar rattle?

[sneijder]

Early W215 CL's and W220 S Class with petrol engines had fairly fragile cats from new, they used to break up inside and rattle around a fair bit.

Mercedes started doing exchange cats for a while as the 'problem' cars were coming out of warranty and starting to get a bit pricey to repair.

Are there any speed bumps down your road / office car park ? That's the usual cat killer.

[splodge s4]

sneijder said:

Are there any speed bumps down your road / office car park ? That's the usual cat killer.

there are a few rumble strips... your right i think it is the cat, bugger.

[racingsnake]

Heat shield over the exhuast about half way down car often becomes loose and tinkles on the exhaust. The screws/clips rust away and need replacing happens about that age-mine did (2002 model). Only coppers to replace if its them.

[Kingdom]

Test drove a CL500 a couple of days ago with exactly the rattle you mention. I told the (independent) dealer that I would only consider it if he got it checked out by Mercedes. He assured me it was either the heat shield or a bracket holding the exhaust onto the chassis. Yesterday, Mercedes confirmed it is the cat that has disintegrated and will cost £1k to replace! Glad I hadn't bought it...

[splodge s4]

Yo Baby! with talk of £1,000 cats etc I was worried about the ever looming MOT. Just had a new front tyre fitted so as it was on the ramp I had a look...

Heat shield! Its about 5 inches long, one nut missing.

I'm a happy teddie & I really enjoyed paying for the tyre, the guy must have thought I was off my head as I cheerfully grinned as I gave him my debit card!

[Kingdom]

Phew

[sneijder]

Result !