1983 240D shakes during acceleration - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Froberts · #1 09-15-2008, 08:41 PM

I recently acquired a 1983 MB 240D. The car runs great except for a couple of quirks, mostly trivial. However, one of its quirks is somewhat alarming. The whole car seems to shudder/vibrate/shake at 20 mph during acceleration. It only does this at 20 mph and it does not make any difference which gear I'm in. Once I accelerate past 20 mph the shaking stops and the car runs smoothly at any other speed. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas what this could mean and how I go about fixing it.
Thanks

hangit · #2 09-16-2008, 12:12 PM

U-joint or flex disc bad?

John

JenTay · #3 09-16-2008, 03:19 PM

check the flex disk. change it now while you can.

that's how Old Pete almost died.

Stevo · #4 09-16-2008, 07:53 PM

While your under there grab the drive shaft where the two come together and see how much slop there is then look at the rubber that holds the center bearing, that could need replacing. That and/or the flex couplings are easy to fix.

Froberts · #5 09-16-2008, 08:04 PM

Thanks for the comments. Please humor an uninitiated, new, Benz owner and tell me what a flex disc is and where it's located. I fancy myself a fairly ok backyard mechanic, but this is my first time with a mercedes and my understanding of diesels is also quite limited. Also this is my girlfriend's car and she wants to convert it into a grease car (hippy). Any suggestions for the conversion such as kits and/or things to avoid? I live in New England. How reliable are these converted cars in the cold? Thanks for your patience.

Stevo · #6 09-16-2008, 08:16 PM

A good time to learn about the search function would be now

Look under "flex disc" and "center bearing", lots there