w124 clunk. propshaft? gearbox?

[simon_wall69]

Hi,

I have 1994 e300 multivalve diesel, 4spd auto. The car started clunking when changing gear recently, so I changed the tranny fluid, filter, etc. Although the clunking is not as bad as it was, it still clunks when changing gear, especially between 2nd and 3rd. The mileage is 150,000. The clunking tends to be worse about 2000-3000 rpm and when the car is cold. If the car is revved hard then it changes perfectly smoothly but then uses loads of fuel!

So I have to assume this is backlash from the propshaft. Any ideas what I ought to check to find what is causing this? I'm not a great mechanic but will fix it myself if it isn't too complicated.

Also, how much damage does the backlash do to the diff, etc,?

Would like to fix the car, as it runs dead cheap on wvo.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Simon

 

[Dec]

I don’t know your car to comment but post #32 here shows the layout for a W202 and the center bearing rubber support, which would accommodate the center bearing in the hole.

Presume yours is similar, put your VIN number (bottom, outside of windscreen) in here and follow the links.

Dec

 

[lakeside]

Check the diff mounting bushes too.

 

[simon_wall69]

Many thanks for the help - I'll have a go this weekend!

Simon

 

[Bolide]

Most probably related to the vacuum system. Check for pipes off under the inlet manifold

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[simon_wall69]

Spot on. I took the big manifold off that runs over the top of the engine. There was a vacuum pipe that had come out.

Simple fix, took 10 minutes, and I am very grateful for the help! Gear changes are super smooth now.

Simon