I've an 83 300td with a bit of a noisy rear diff. Now the vehicle has ABS and I noticed a sensor on the rear diff. Can anyone confirm whether all W123 diffs have this 'location' for the sensor or are the ABS compatible diffs different from the non-ABS version?
Steve

Your wagon has antilock brakes? I had no idea any 123's had ABS....

So, related to your question: Does anyone know if it's possible to install ABS on a non-ABS equipped 123?

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'81 300TD Wagon 355k (Miss Diesel)
'83 300SD 180k
'84 500SEL 190k (Parting it out)

Interesting..... none of the W123's here in the States have ABS that I'm aware of. You'll probably have to find someone at a shop that knows that vintage of MB to ask... otherwise maybe some repair manual might give the info. Maybe just a visual inspection will tell you?

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

that it's not just the speedometer sensor?

I would think they are different. Even if they were not and the hole for the ABS sensor were plugged there is a toothed wheel on the pinion that would have to be added. To do that you would have to take the diff apart and pull the pinion out the back, so a good amount of work. In summary look for an ABS specific diff. You could always put a non ABS diff in but the ABS wouldnt work, it needs the speed input from the rear axle

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2006 E320 CDI
1998 S320
1987 190E 2.3-16

1990 300D 2.5 Turbo(sold)
1987 300SDL Turbo(sold)
1987 300TD Turbo(sold)
1987 190D 2.5 Turbo 5sp(sold)
1985 190E 2.3-16(sold)
1984 500SEC(sold)
1984 230TE(sold)
1978 240D(sold)-Miss it!
1972 280SE 4.5(sold)

US delivered 123s did NOT have ABS or limited slip rear ends! Most rear end noise is because the mounts have failed and NOT because the rear end has failed.

Marshall

ABS was available on UK models of the W123 T-wagen...dunno about those left on the continent.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Mr Booth .... Which mounts are you referring to?


This particular differential has a leaking front pinion oil seal. When I got the car 6 months ago, I managed to put about 1/2 - 3/4 litre of oil in the rear diff - so I'm assuming that some damage has been done - However, I'd be only too pleased if something simpler could fix the growl i.e. mounts (whereever they are?) or maybe 'molyslip' - at the moment the car is up on stands as I contemplate whether to change the front seal or change the diff!

Steve

In the 123 manual or on the CD job 35-520 adequately covers the soft coupling of the differential to the chassis.

Most leaks occur because the vent/brather is clogged up and pressure pushes oil out the fron seal. Sometimes opening the breather will stem the leak - sometimes it won't. Replacing the seal is covered a few pages later (35-530 I think).

Marshall