Quick and simple:

Where is the AC Compressor on 300TD 1980, and how would I add freon to the system without killing myself and half the neighborhood in the process.

Also, what would cause a constant grinding noise coming from the right rear side of the car... parking brake locked on? Im also getting squealing and grinding noises from the front brakes especially the drivers side. (I can feel under my foot like its grinding against metal even when Im not using the brakes)

Help appreciated.

Anthony, I assume you know what a York type ( piston ) compressor looks like and that one is not staring at you on the passenger side of the top front of the engine... therefore... you probably have your compressor where mine is... at the lower front of the engine on the Driver's side....

If you are actually using r12 freon and are low it might be smart to have your system checked for leaks before you add any.. given the high cost of the stuff.... This is dangerous stuff and could easily put out one or more eyes with a small mistake... I would farm this one out if I were you ... Greg

The brake grinding sounds a lot like the brake pads are completely worn away and you've got metal on metal. I had that happen on the right front brakes on my van, after making a panic stop while pulling a 7K trailer (with my pickup on it) with pads that were almost worn anyways...after the pads wore all the way out, the metal backing hit the rotor and got so hot that some metal actually melted (and screwed up one of my wheels )... I got the noise you were talking about immediately after this...and didn't drive the van again 'till I replaced the pads and that rotor...the rotor was completely destroyed!

A stuck parking brake's also possible, I suppose...but I'd bet the brakes there are dead. Hope that helps some...good luck!

__________________
2001 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed, daily driver
1991 Ford F-350, work in progress
1984 Ford F-250 4x4, 6.9l turbo diesel, 5 speed manual
Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999

If it's a grinding noise in the rear, and it occurs with or without brakes being applied, you may have a bad half-shaft.

The joints at the ends (or the ones at the differential) tend to make a grinding sound when they're worn. To make a cursory check, take a crawl under the rear end of the vehicle and look for rips or tears in the rubber boots covering these joints. If you see any tears, or grease spread all over the end making the noise, you probably have a worn out joint, which is remedied only by replacement of the half-shaft (axle half). When a boot tears, it allows dirt and crud to get inside and gradually wear down the bearings with each turn of the axle.

I had one of mine replaced to the tune of about $240 parts and a couple of hours labor.

Gil