1987 W124 260e Driveshaft Problem

[sandyxo]

Hi all I'm new to this forum although I've had my 'baby' for about 6 years now. My problem is...about 4 weeks ago at 40 mph the auto gearbox wasnt changing up...foot down and after a 'clank' from the back it did, it seemed worse when it was warm. Then last Thursday, on my way to the garage funnily enough, it did it again, put foot down as usual, a massive clank this time and we ground to a halt! Engine still running, speedo showing going up and of course revs but I was going nowhere. My head full of 'thats it, the gearbox has had it', anyway I got towed to garage and this awful banging and clanking came from the back, mechanic has now told me its the rear n/s drive shaft and he cant check on the gearbox until the driveshaft is done. I did check the atf which was low so put some in prior of course to the final halt. I've been onto someone for a driveshaft but he says there are 3 different sizes for my car and my mechanic cant get it back on the ramp to measure it....so does anyone have any idea what size driveshaft I need??? Any ideas if the gearbox has gone?? I'm hoping its just the driveshaft. Thanks for reading and apologies for the length of this tome

 

[Ian B Walker]

I know I have a spare 260 gear box and also a couple of drive shafts. Let me do some research for you.

 

[television]

I know I have a spare 260 gear box and also a couple of drive shafts. Let me do some research for you.

Would you like some arc lamps so that you can extend your working week

 

[Ian B Walker]

Currently doing a 6 1/2 day week with no sign of a let up. To think, last year at this time I was doing this and that with no stress. Ahhh the good old days.

 

[sandyxo]

I know I have a spare 260 gear box and also a couple of drive shafts. Let me do some research for you.

Thankyou so much Ian, I still havent found out the size of the drive shaft so cant do anything. My mechanic cant check the gearbox until he's done the drive shaft so its catch 22 but I'm hoping its not the gearbox as I really cant afford to replace it at the mo. If you have a drive shaft that would fit that would be excellent!! I realise you are very busy and appreciate you taking the time to look, once again thankyou. xo

 

[sandyxo]

I know I have a spare 260 gear box and also a couple of drive shafts. Let me do some research for you.

Right the mechanic has had another look and says its 25mm diameter if that helps?? He cant check the length as it involves taking loads of stuff off..suspension etc...I dont know but he's trying his best bless him.

 

[Richard Moakes]

If you post or PM me a chassis number, I will look up the MB part number for your car tonight.

Cheers.

 

[sandyxo]

If you post or PM me a chassis number, I will look up the MB part number for your car tonight.

Cheers.

Hi Richard, here it is....WDB1240262A422944

Thankyou xo

 

[Richard Moakes]

Right,

You have a number of choices, assuming you don't have ASD.

My EPC gives the following options, N/S and O/S are identical.

A124 350 30 10 Superceded
A124 350 40 10 Superceded
A210 350 84 10 Latest

These were keyed to your chassis number in EPC, so hopefully they are correct.

Good Luck,

 

[kth286]

At 10% discount that last part number is £541 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Richard Moakes]

I am sure Mercman will have something suitable for a much more sensible price.

 

[sandyxo]

You have a number of choices, assuming you don't have ASD.

My EPC gives the following options, N/S and O/S are identical.


Ok Richard thanks for taking the time to find out, but...am I being thick...what is 'ASD' and 'EPC'?? Have you figured I'm new to this lol

 

[Richard Moakes]

ASD is a rare option for self locking differential, EPC is the electronic parts catalogue from Mercedes.

I have just checked your chassis number, and the ASD option was not fitted to your car according to the datacard records, so its definitely not an issue.

I used your chassis number in EPC to make absolutely sure those part numbers would fit your car.

Try calling Mercman http://www.mercman.net if anyone has one of these driveshafts cheap, it will probably be them. There are lots of other suppliers such as dronsfields, the garage etc...

Good Luck,

 

[sandyxo]

Hi Richard, thanks for all the info I have emailed Ian to see if he has one

 

[sandyxo]

I have contacted several people now the only one to get back to me is Mercman who needs the length too so I'm still no further ahead I even sent him the part numbers Richard very kindly found for me, is there nowhere to find the measurments at all??? Thanks everyone, I'm still searching because my mechanic is in a panic now, its only a small garage 'one man band' in a village so please dont think he's being very slow he just hasnt got the facilities

 

[kth286]

Surely the mechanic can measure between the gaiters and then Mercman can match that measurement up with his stock.

Don't see the problem.

 

[sandyxo]

Surely the mechanic can measure between the gaiters and then Mercman can match that measurement up with his stock.

Don't see the problem.

Problem is he only has one ramp and a queue of cars to go on it, theres only him and a young lad to push it on and off again which takes time with all the other work he has. I'm d/loading a manual now to see if theres any info in there, I cant find mine anywhere.

 

[kth286]

Use the car jack and jack the (good) rear corner up, and take the respective rear wheel off.

Then measure the distance between the gaiters on the driveshaft and give the measurement to Mercman.

 

[Ian B Walker]

I got your email and can reply both here and by email. Yes I have two drive shafts that I think may suit. Send me your address and I will pop both of them in the post. If they fit then we can sort out the financial details later.

 

[sandyxo]

Ian that is marvellous!! Thankyou so much!! I will email you my address right now>>>>runs to post