What Causes the Rattling Noise in the Mercedes Armrest Cover?
2 Answers
Mercedes armrest rattling may be caused by loose armrest latches or gaps in the armrest cover leading to looseness. Remove internal screws: Open the armrest and remove the internal screws. Pull the handbrake to the highest position and pry open the cover: Pull the handbrake to its highest position and pry open the plastic cover on the handbrake side. Remove the cigarette lighter cover: This cover is not secured with screws. Use the gaps as a starting point to lift the cover, then disconnect the three clip connectors to remove the cigarette lighter cover. Remove the armrest fixing clips: Remove the fixing screws. There will be two fixing screws under the cigarette lighter cover. Then, you can remove the armrest fixing clips and take off the armrest.
I often dealt with similar issues at the repair shop before. There are several main reasons for the rattling noise in a Mercedes armrest cover: insufficient lubrication at the hinge position causing friction sounds, especially common in cars that are two or three years old; aging and deformation of internal components, where some plastic clips may break and vibrate or collide; loose screws are also a frequent issue, such as the fixing screws at the base of the cover; another easily overlooked cause is small items stored inside the compartment, like coins hitting and making noise when going over speed bumps. It's recommended to first clean out any internal items and lubricate the hinges, using a lubricant spray or silicone-based grease will suffice. If the noise persists, then it's necessary to disassemble and check the screws and clips, replacing parts if needed.
