W124 flex disk & center bearing replacement
 

Hi,
I want to replace the flex disks and center bearing on my '92 300E. I have for the most part figured out how to remove the flex disks and driveshaft i.e dropping the exhaust or removing the transmission mount for easier access, although I would be grateful for any other tips on this procedure.
What I am more concerned about is replacing the center bearing. Does it just slide off or do I need to use a puller or special tool?
Thanks y'all,
Colin

RE: W124 flex disk & center bearing replacement
 

Any particular reason for replacing them??

If you have symptoms of some sort, please post them and we'll try to help.

Cheers


Also is it a 4Matic ???

RE: W124 flex disk & center bearing replacement
 

Hi,
There is a little vibration around 80 MPH which I am almost certain is coming from the drivetrain. I thought it was maybe due to wheel balancing or track alignment but after rotating the tires the car does ride smoother but vibration does not come through the steering wheel but more from underneath the car. I checked the flex disks and I am pretty sure the front one is worn out.
It is a 1992 300E 2.6, not a 4Matic, with 207,000 miles, and a keeper (A Georgia Peach!) so even though I do a lot of miles in the car, it is pampered as it ideal for my commute to Atlanta. I want to replace all 3 components mostly as preventative maintenance as I do over 1,000 miles a week driving to work etc. I do almost all my own wrenching to keep her reliable and I have heard these parts wear out about 60,000 miles especially the front disk. I have put about 70.000 miles on it in the last 18 months that I have owned it.
Everything else looks in good shape including the motor and transmission mounts so I think my problem is the flex disks and/or center bearing. The flex disks look straightforward to change so my only real concern is replacing the bearing. I have a 3-leg puller which should work. But if anyone has any tips or tricks on doing this job I would be grateful for the information.
Later y'all,
Colin[8D]

RE: W124 flex disk & center bearing replacement
 

RENEWING CENTERING SLEEVE
[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/B0319CD903134A7B910A863C673EC416.jpg[/IMG]

Note: In the event of wear or damage to sealing lip in centering sleeve (10) of front or rear propeller shaft, the centering sleeve can be individually replaced.
Removal and installation
1 Remove propeller shaft.

[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/39C1DBD83A4544F9AAFC4B08F91BD0A1.jpg[/IMG]

2 Unscrew hex. socket or hex. head screws with self-locking hex. nuts. The installation position is correct, if the vulcanized arrow on vibration damper points to hump of three-legged flange (arrows). Renew self-locking hex. nuts. Tightening torque M10 = 45 Nm, M12 = 65 Nm.

[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/66312F5BA73B4A87A409636A86BEE44F.jpg[/IMG]

Installation note: The installation position is correct, if the vulcanized arrow on vibration damper behind hump is mounted on three-legged flange (cutouts). Replace self-locking hexagon nuts; Tightening torque 40 Nm.

3 On propeller shafts without vibration damper, be sure to mark the flexible coupling in relation to three-legged flange of propeller shaft.

[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/1FA6FED9336D4A85B0A85B65A34611DA.jpg[/IMG]

4 Soft pull-push flexible coupling (soft pull-push) according to lettering "DIESE SEITE ZUR GELENKWELLE" (THIS SIDE TOWARD PROPELLER SHAFT).

RE: W124 flex disk & center bearing replacement
 

Continued....

[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/CD55A419604741DB8F8362386FEEF171.jpg[/IMG]

5 On vehicles with soft pull-push flexible coupling (soft pull-push) loosen the vulcanized fitted sleeves out of three-legged flange. For this purpose, use a cylindrical mandrel of 10 mm dia. and approx. 150 mm in length.

6 Remove flexible coupling and, if installed, vibration damper.

[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/B4E0DCE454C54B71A2581C0DC2E42624.jpg[/IMG]

7 Separate front propeller shaft from rear propeller shaft. Front and rear propeller shaft are marked in relation to each other. When joined, make sure that the hump on front propeller shaft is located in center of the two arrow-Modele humps of fork- Modele joint (arrows).


Removing centering sleeves

[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/24588CA9C1754628AAE85F324B701EB6.jpg[/IMG]

8 At low pulling force: Knock centering sleeve uniformly out of propeller shaft by means of a flat chisel (arrows).

[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/C35EF50ED4344EA099681A6F37B82DBE.jpg[/IMG]

9 At high pulling force: Drill an approx. 10 mm dia. hole at a right angle through sleeve 15 mm from face of centering sleeve.

RE: W124 flex disk & center bearing replacement
 

Continued.....

[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/D37F3B434CCD449DA2DC3481365AF586.jpg[/IMG]
10 Insert a mandrel through bore and pull centering sleeve out of propeller shaft by means of two assembly levers.

[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/DC3698ED34894609BFD71C1DD7B0E66A.jpg[/IMG]

Installation note: Press-in new centering sleeve with suitable mandrel. Pay attention to pressing-in dimension of centering sleeve (refer to table for pressing-in dimensions for centering sleeve).


[IMG]local://upfiles/5574/67E11D0319CA4EFD9112D48EE80122A0.jpg[/IMG]



11 With plastic bushing, grease cavity of centering sleeve with Molykote grease and use multi-purpose grease with multi-component bushing
(filling capacity per sleeve approx. 6g).

12 For further installation proceed vice versa as of item 6.


That's it ........ Hope it helps.

Cheers

RE: W124 flex disk & center bearing replacement
 

HiSL600_Cruzin,

I see you have a lot of DIY materials.Where can I get some help and repair manual like yours?

I would appreciate any help.
Thanks.