What are the causes of abnormal noise in the front half shaft of a Mercedes ML?
2 Answers
The reason is that the contact area between the half shaft and the drive wheel is relatively small, and when subjected to greater force, the sound of metal friction becomes abnormally noticeable. Causes of abnormal noise when turning: Generally, it is due to an issue with the CV joint (constant velocity joint). It is advisable to go to a repair shop for inspection as soon as possible. If the boot is damaged and leaking grease, the boot can be replaced, and the ball bearings can be cleaned. If the grease has dried up and the ball bearings are worn, the entire CV joint needs to be replaced. Causes of abnormal noise inside the engine: It could be noise from a certain transmission pulley. It is necessary to go to a repair shop for inspection or use a stethoscope for detection. Generally, it is related to the single belt pulley. Replacing the new single belt pulley should resolve the issue.
As a seasoned mechanic with years of experience, I've noticed that the issue of front half-shaft noise in Mercedes-Benz ML models is quite common, mainly due to wear and tear in the drivetrain components. The front half-shaft connects the front wheels to the engine, and once the CV joint (constant velocity joint) inside the universal joint develops problems, it tends to produce creaking sounds during turns or acceleration. Another possible cause is aging bearings or damaged rubber bushings, which make the noise more noticeable on bumpy roads. If left unattended, these minor issues can escalate into suspension system failures or even lead to half-shaft breakage, posing serious risks. I recommend that owners get their vehicles checked at a professional repair shop as soon as they hear any unusual noises—don’t skimp on small repairs only to face bigger losses later. Additionally, avoid aggressive acceleration in daily driving to reduce excessive component wear and extend the vehicle’s lifespan.
