PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - W123 differential failing? Odd vibrations under load

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W123 differential failing? Odd vibrations under load

Hello everyone, laying in bed awake pondering things I need to address on my cars (do you all do this top or is it just me), and this one is bugging me.

I have consistently had a vibration in my grey 300d, it is most noticeable around 35-45mph, under load. Let off the throttle and its gone, push the clutch in and its gone. Did the same before i swapped the trans, it seems more noticible with the 4 speed, but I'm thinking thats because of a more solid power transfer to the diff.

If I jack up one wheel and put it in gear and let it idle, there is a rhythmic clunking noise from the wheel that isnt lifted, and the axle shaft of the wheel on the ground seems to wobble where it enters the differential.

Am I looking at a new diff soon or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Thingsn Ive replaced hunting for the vibration:
Trans mount
Front flex disc
Center carrier and bearing
Rear flex disc
Rear axle shafts
Diff output seals (they were leaking, and may still be after replacement)

Should I start looking for a diff?
I'll try to get some video of what im trying to explain, I pro ably shouldn't try to post logical things late at night

With the car positioned so that the driveshaft is not putting torque on the diff. grab the input on the diff...driveshaft and see if you can wobble it up and down. More than just a tiny bit of play is not good.

Do you know if 126 wheels will fit a 123??

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer Man (Post 3581341)

Do you know if 126 wheels will fit a 123??

You should start your own thread instead of hijacking someone else's...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer Man (Post 3581341)

Do you know if 126 wheels will fit a 123??

Generally yes. As suggested starting your own thread would be better for you. Also if you give us more information especially pictures we can answer accurately.

Welcome to the shopforum!

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth (Post 3581336)

the input (driveshaft from engine) has minimal if any play up and down, rotationally it has around 1/2 inch.

however the outputs have around 1/8-1/4 inch play in any given direction except for in and out which is minimal, they wobble all over the place.

I'd say I need at minimum new bearings for where the axles go. probably I'll see if i can locate another diff for less than an arm and a leg and put new bearings in that so i can just swap the old for the new without a ton of downtime without my car.

That sounds advisable.