autobox oil change and health check

[haroonz7]

Hello everyone hope your all well and keeping away from the swine flu....

Ive just had my car back from MB - Bradford. Went in for auto box oil + filter change. They also did a free health chek for me.

Firstly ive got the invoice and says 4 quantaties of transmision oil, i forgot to ask them if one bottle has 2Lt or 1Lt??

So far the cars changing gear much smoother.

Now for the health check:

They found play in the steering drag link bll joint and steering damper and have quoted me £758.42, now I dont fancy paying this so ive had a look in my haynes but wanted some support from you guys? there is a simple diagram which i should be able to follow but can anyone tell me where the drag link actually is?

Also Ive had this issue with vibrations at 65 even after having the wheel balancing done - am sure malcolm will have the answer to this?

The diff seals are leaking badly according them but ive had a look myself and it doesnt look too bad (having said that I will be sorting this out)

They've noted pinion oil seals leaking but have no idea what this is??

thanks

 

[rpe2]

Now for the health check:

They found play in the steering drag link bll joint and steering damper and have quoted me £758.42, now I dont fancy paying this so ive had a look in my haynes but wanted some support from you guys? there is a simple diagram which i should be able to follow but can anyone tell me where the drag link actually is?

Also Ive had this issue with vibrations at 65 even after having the wheel balancing done - am sure malcolm will have the answer to this?

The diff seals are leaking badly according them but ive had a look myself and it doesnt look too bad (having said that I will be sorting this out)

They've noted pinion oil seals leaking but have no idea what this is??

thanks

The drag link is the large track rod assy that runs from wheel to wheel and is fixed to the steering box. ECP supplied me one for under £100 for a 1998 C240, and it cured the vibration as you describe.. Steering damper circa £20.

Most merc diffs leak, some more than others. If it's not leaving an unsightly puddle/ doesn't require topping up, then may be more hassle that it is worth to resolve.

 

[haroonz7]

I had an audi A8 which had leaking diff seals and that cost me £20 each to repair although MB what more like £487.14 - its not leaving any puddle and the level was fine which checked 3 months go. I dont think its the most important thing yet but will be having a go at the drag link. Any advice on taking this job on?

 

[roofless]

you can see the parts here http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/M..._2.5_1997/p/Car-Parts/Suspension-and-Steering

 

[rpe2]

...but will be having a go at the drag link. Any advice on taking this job on?

A good ball joint splitter. Make sure you get the right link as there at least 2 types.

You'll need to book your car in for tracking immediately afterwards.

 

[television]

I done mine and it took 7.5 Litres of MB ATF. Approx £80 to buy the oil. And yes, I also noticed a smoother difference.

Filter and sump gasket was about £25 on top of this, so £105 for oil and parts alone.

Labour cost, not sure what this would come to. Others will advise.

Many do the job for £165

 

[nickcc101]

Would have thought pinion seals leaking refers to your Diff pinion. Ring them up and check.

 

[LYNALL]

Pinion seal is the one at the front where the prop goes into the diff.

See here http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.460&CT=F&cat=44V&SID=46&SGR=120&SGN=06
Item 56 is the drag link assy and looks dear, item 117 is the damper.

Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW!...temQQimsxZ20090408?IMSfp=TL090408152004r17254



Lynall

 

[television]

Several things here.

MB only changed ½ of the fluid, and they do not drain the torque converters as the indies do, so you had 4 liters of fluid.

Re the diff, oil leaking from 3 places is not good, is the vent plug clear that sits on top of the diff, most MB diffs do look messy and oil stained, as hypoid oil does foam. The best check to see is to test the oil level. It may only be a few mm down, and if this is the case its not worth the expense of doing anything

 

[haroonz7]

Pinion seal is the one at the front where the prop goes into the diff.

See here http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.460&CT=F&cat=44V&SID=46&SGR=120&SGN=06
Item 56 is the drag link assy and looks dear, item 117 is the damper.

Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW!...temQQimsxZ20090408?IMSfp=TL090408152004r17254



Lynall

It is dear - Might have to get my friend to get me some trade discount...

 

[haroonz7]

Several things here.

MB only changed ½ of the fluid, and they do not drain the torque converters as the indies do, so you had 4 liters of fluid.

Re the diff, oil leaking from 3 places is not good, is the vent plug clear that sits on top of the diff, most MB diffs do look messy and oil stained, as hypoid oil does foam. The best check to see is to test the oil level. It may only be a few mm down, and if this is the case its not worth the expense of doing anything

Checked the diff oil level and its fine - so prob wont bother with the seals there. So if MB havent drained the torque convertor is that an issue as the old oil will mix with the new oil??

I might have to discuss this issue with them.

 

[rpe2]

It is dear - Might have to get my friend to get me some trade discount...

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/M...nsion-and-Steering/Steering/Centre-Drag-Links

About £100.

 

[nickcc101]

If you are thinking of changing the pinion seal yourself remember that the pinion needs to be correctly preloaded when you refit if not you will end up with either a knackered diff or one that whines. The new ATF oil will mix with the old and filling with 4 litres instead of 7.5 should still make your gearchanges smoother and help to prolong the life of your gearbox.

 

[haroonz7]

Ive got a mate who's a mechanic so he's going to give it a good check on Saturday. But still going to give the drag link a go my self.

Thanks for all the help so far guys