I had the same problem in my '84 300D. There are threads here that speak to how to repair this, but I removed mine and sent it to the good folks at Continental Imports. They did a great job rebuilding it and turned it around in a day - during the holidays.

I was very impressed.

Continental Imports Website

__________________
John

1995 E320 - 115kmi+ Smoke Silver/Cream (Wife's Wagon)
1989 260E - 195kmi+ Black/Grey (My Panther)
1984 300D - 242kmi+ Black/Palomino (Retired)