I recently took my c230 in for a checkover and was told I need a front and rear flex joint replaced. There is a lot of slop in them according to the tech that has been caused from someone shifting from drive to reverse and vice versa without being at a complete stop. I know exactly where the part is located. Does anyone know if this is a complicated repair? Are there any fluids that need drained and re-serviced as a result? Also, I need to replace the LF ball joint and front steering damper that is leaking? Can anyone give me any input into the possibility of doing this work on my own?

 

Im a fully qualified technician on lorrys and cars (currently for MAN/ERF) Unless you have the correct tools (specified tools for seperating components etc) and are extremely competent i wouldnt try! I own a mercedes c180 kompressor sports coupe myself and have all the work done at mercedes, servicing, maintenance etc. You can end up in more trouble and it costing you more in the long run! Being there done that. But the decision is yours. good luck.

 

http://www.driveshafts.com/merc_u-joint-overview.html Give that a read, I build my own drive shafts for competition offroad vehicles but I definatly will not touch a mercedes drive line. jusy my .02

 

i have done over 200 flex discs in my day there easy if you dont mind laying on you back to do it. no you dont have to drain any fluid either its a matter of about 12-14 bolts between trans mount and cross brace and 6 bolts on your flex disc

 

This is probably going to sound absurd to ask, but is it really necessary to come to a complete stop everytime you switch gears? from reverse to drive, or vice versa?