190e gearbox propshaft problems

[shovel]

The front propshaft coupling let go on me(what a scare that was at 90mph), I've had a look underneath and the mounting point on the gearbox has snapped off. Also with the propshaft removed i started the car (in Drive) and tried changing it through the selector positions, which it did with no problem except when i put it back into Park it makes a noise like a kid's machine gun!! Only in park, the noise goes away in any other position. Does anyone know if this will mean a new gearbox or should i be able to have it repaired cheaper?
Also is there an upgrade repair for the front coupling or is it okay to just replace it with one from GSF etc?

 

[Andy]

Hi

Firstly, the propshaft only let go due to poor maintenance. The thing is that most people who carry out their own maintenance, with respect do not carry out all the inspections a trained\ experienced technician does as a matter of course. Both the front & rear propshaft couplings should be checked

1.For excessive free play. Especially the front which is designed with a cushioning rubber to help with the smoothness of power take up.

2. Check for cracks in the coupling. Especially the rear. These cracks although may seem minor that coupling takes a lot of strain & you don't know when it going to break.

Both the above are giving you the signs that sooner of later they will break. Ignore at your peril. When they go as can be seen by our friend Shovel, they will cause major damage. I have seem them come through the floor of the car.


3. Make sure all bolts are tight. Usually you can tell if you can see rust marks from one of the bolts where the water has come out. This usually signals this bolt is loose.

As for the noise when putting it park. It sounds like the park mechanism rotating. The gear box out put shaft is still rotating since the prop is not connected to stop it.

If you are going to buy a coupling from GSF or one of the others then make sure the make is FEBI or Len Forder. None of the others will do.


Good luck

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[shovel]

Thanks for your info Andy,
Do you know what my options are for the broken casing? It looks like the rear end of the gearbox might unbolt so i could replace it with a new cover or do i have to replace the whole gearbox?
Also would i be better getting the coupling at main dealer then?

 

[Andy]

Hi

No buy the coupling from who ever but only the makes I have mentioned.

As for the gearbox, its hard to comment when I cant see the extent of the damage


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[shovel]

I've chickened out and went to the dealer for the front coupling, while i was at it i bought a new centre mount and bearing, the rear coupling looks almost brand new so i haven't bothered with it. I managed to get a rear gearbox cover from The Garage so hopefully it will be all back together this weekend, fingers crossed about the noise!!!
You know you said about home maintainance not picking things like this up, is there any other parts I should be checking? my car has done 135000miles (??)
This reminds me about a Morris Minor I had many,many years ago when the front wheel dropped off, turned out the trunion was something I should have known about and checked/replaced!!! You think I should have learned something by now eh? :roll: