Pre-trip Checklist - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 04-15-2003, 08:08 PM

Hi,

Last year at this time I went to TN, and lost a CV boot on the way back, causing me to have to lug my car home on a U-haul.
This year Im doing the same trip, and Ill be crossing 200K... Ive put on over 15K since then, on long trips, but well, Im just a little scared for this one.
oil is changed religiously, no leaks, new filters, everything topped off.
The only thing I can think of to check is my rear diff fluid, which I doubt will eb low, as its a sealed system, but you never know.
WHat other suggestions does anyone have to check before doing 600mi non-stop twice in the upcming days? I dont want to be stranded again, so I want to check as many thigs as possible that may leave me on the side of the road...
Thanks, I know this is a somewhat silly question, as I keep up regular maintenance, etc., but I just want things to check, so I can shake this feeling of uneasiness.
Thanks

JMH

P.E.Haiges · #2 04-15-2003, 08:51 PM

JHZR2,

Always take along extra fuel filters. You never know when you might get dirty fuel that will plug your filters. It happened to me in Colorado and my spares kept me on schedule. I also carry a spare glow plug although that usually isn't a show stopper.

Take a look at your flex joints, the rubber damper on each end of the drive shaft. If you can see any cords a replacement is in order.

I don't consider the differential a sealed system. There are 5 possible places where leaks can occur: the input shaft, 2 output shafts, anyplace between the cover and housing and the plug. So check the fluid level in your differential. Any leaks are usually obvious, you can see the wet spots.

When is the last time you checked the valve clearances and adjusted any valves that were out of spec? How about the timing chain, guides and the chain tensioner. If any of these fail, your engine will stop in a hurry and serious damage can be done.

BTW, why was a torn CV joint cover cause for a Uhaul tow and how did you discover the torn cover?

P E H

JHZR2 · #3 04-15-2003, 11:32 PM

Valves are fine, as is TC stretch, always carry filters, and I will be checking the diff, so it looks like for the most part, Im on track.

Flex joints, now thats something I have NEVER looked at...

I realized that my CV joint was going bad when I heard a loud clicking while going 75 mph through TN with 4 people in the car... After a couple miles I decided to stop, only to find a smoking cv joint, and the lube oil splattered all over the underside of my car.
Because I had to get back from TN to DE in 12 hours or so, I didnt want to push the cv joint. (now I have to wonder if I could have), so I got a u-haul and we rode 4 across a bench seat all the way through the night. I thought that the CV joint used the diff fluid, and was afraid that my diff would go if I kept driving it. I dont want to repeat that, and while I am much more knowledgable now (only had the car a few months when that happened), I dont want to be stranded again.

Thanks for the ideas!

JMH

Ken300D · #4 04-16-2003, 07:19 AM

We should mention that the differential gear oil needs to be changed every 30,000 miles as part of normal service. If you are due for a change, a good suggestion is Mobil 1 Synthetic gear oil - good stuff.

I just joined AAA Plus. 100 mile towing included. My workplace is about 65 miles from home, so I can get AAA to tow me home anywhere along the route.

http://www.aaa.com/

Ken300D

84300DT · #5 04-16-2003, 07:33 AM

i just took mine 3000 miles in one week. b4 taking off i checked the flex discs, engine oil, and the other fluid levels- that's about it.
not the most thorough inspection i admit!
i do carry tools ,water, and a spare fuel filter but i did not have to use it. car ran like a champ (mostly 80mph) got close to 30 mpg and felt very responsive even with a full load on the way back.

600 miles is nothing .. go for it !

Aaron · #6 04-16-2003, 10:32 AM

Make sure the belts are in good shape and that things like the oil cooler lines are leak free. Giving the brake hoses a quick check wouldn't hurt either as well as the exhaust rubber hangers.