Could someone please tell me how much work is involved and the level of difficulty in changing the front propshaft coupling on my 190E 2.6.

I have access to a vehicle hoist/ramp.

Many thanks in advance.


SARGE

It is not that hard if you have the right tools. You will need special allen sockets to complete the job.

You may want the CD for the 201, we have them and the front flex disc in partsshop!

__________________
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

Thanks for your help Benzmac.
Could you tell me do you need to remove the entire prop to complete this job as I believe if you disturb the bolts you must replace with new ones, am I right?
Thanks once again.

SARGE

Flex discs replacement kits from M-B come equipped with new bolts, washers and nuts. The prop shaft does not have to be disconnected from the differential but the center support bearing holder does have to be lowered (2 nuts) and the front shaft slid rearward a bit by the loosening of a large clamping nut located near the support bearing.

Sarge,
As a recall I had to loosen the exhaust systen on my 1990 190 E 2.6 to get to the center bearing. There is a heat sheild covering the center bearing and the exhaust was in the way on mine. If you need to drop the exhaust, pull up the passenger floor panel and disconnect the O2 sensor wiring.(one wire) Depending on your tool assortment you need some large channel locks or a 41mm (huge) open end wrench to loosen the driveshaft clamping nut. You may have to remove the rear trans mount if you find it difficult to get to the flex disk bolts and nuts. Not too difficult a job.
good luck.

__________________
1990 190E 2.6
1996 Grand Voyager 3.3
1985 Mustang GT 5.0 5 SPD
1982 Suzuki GS 750T

Isn't the prop shaft the same as the W124?

I don't think you need to do all of that work.
First take off small transmission crossmember that holds trans mount. Then unbolt the coupling from transmission and from shaft, 6 bolts total (some are allen 8mm, and some hex). Then you just slide the shaft back a few centimeters.
You should have enough room to remove old coupling and insert new one. Slide the shaft back into place. They get stuck sometimes use a rubber hammer or longer bolts just to get it in place. Insert new bolts that come with the coupling. Put back the crossmember and you are done.

I've done many 124s. I apologize if the 201s aren't the same. It just doesn't make sense to me that the shafts are a different design and that you have to go through all of that work with the exhaust and center bearing.

Vin