new rear cv joint or gearbox

[IAN.VIK]

hi all, bought myself my first merc last thursday £240 g reg 2.5 190d
****** comfy if not a bit slow auto so my trip to scotland was a breeze.

on way back it clunked and now wont move when out into gear.
rac guy says drive shaft is turning so its the cv joint at rear passenger side.

is this an easy fix....
it doesnt like changing from 2nd while its cold andis fine after about 5 miles from cold...
any help would be grate...

thanks in advance

Ian
North tawton
near exeter

 

[wireman]

You need a replacement drive shaft, about 100quid from ECP and GSF, less from a breaker. Its not very difficult to change, you need stout axle stands to support the car while you bash away at a few tight and rusty bolts. The haynes book of lies is helpfull.

The gear box may be low on fluid or just want its fluid (and filter) changing, about 7 litres of dextron 3. Auto boxes can give funny problems if the fluid level is under or over by only a small amount.
The torque convertor has a drain plug this needs to be drained as well as the box.
Fit a new gasket to the gearbox pan and DO NOT over tighten its fixing bolts, you will bend and damage the sealing surfaces if the pan bolts are over tightened.