So I decided to take today off and tackle the last (major) job on the 300SEL - replacing a driveshaft center bearing and the front flex disc. I have not been looking forward to this as I know it’s going to be a lot of grunt work. but it’s got to be done…
Started around 10:00 this morning and I just got the exhaust disconnected. I still have to get into the cabin and disconnect the O2 sensor cable, but once that’s done the whole exhaust system will come out. I had a false start, thinking I might be able to separate the exhaust at the middle fitting behind the catalytic converter, but no joy there. Went to the exhaust manifolds, soaked everything in Kroil, then had at it. All I can say I that I really, really appreciate Mercedes’ use of high quality fasteners, as all but one of the exhaust manifold bolts came off without incident. The stubborn one had the captive nut break loose, but since those have a 14mm square shape I was able to et a wrench on the nut and hold it while I turned the bolt with a ratchet and long extension with a universal on it. So in a few minutes I’ll disconnect the O2 sensor and get the big compressor and rattle gun out to take the heat shields out in a hurry. From there it’s wide open access to the driveshaft and flex disc. I’m hoping to be able to just drop the front of the drive shaft and do everything in place if I have room. That way I don’t have to disconnect the rear flex disc. If not, drive shaft at the rear flex disc will have to be disconnected. More after the next break.. -D _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com