I've been told the flex disks go about every 60,000 miles in normal use. My diff mounts look like yours, probably last 150,000 miles or so.

Take a look at the links in the rear suspension, too -- signs of deterioration at the bushings indicates a need for replacement. The center sleeve of the bushing is clamped by the mounting bolt and the rubber flexes -- when the rubber starts to go, the car will drive progressively worse until the torque link really goes bad, at which point the car will begin to torque steer horribly.

Take a look at the rear subframe bushings and mounts (two rear and two front) -- cracks or leaks (one set is glycol filled) indicate a need for replacement. Bad ones cause the car to wander badly, and be overly sensitive to crosswinds.

I know, I'm in the middle of this myself!


Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!