Hello,

Before I get in over my head tomorrow and end up stranded, I would appreciate some pointers on replacing the driveshaft center support/bearing and driveshaft bushing on the 86 300E. I replaced the rear flex disc before and noted the grease seal was torn on the driveshaft bushing. I was having a vibration at certain speeds so I wanted to change the center support. The more I think about, I realize that it's probably just the tires getting old causing the vibration, but I already bought the parts so I would like to put them in anyways. I know dropping the exhaust is a pain in the a$$.

I've got a 46mm open ended wrench that I bought for the upcoming driveshaft removal on the 115. I have the CD manual for the 124 series.
I'm pretty sure this is a fairly easy operation with the most critical part being marking the driveshaft. I just want to avoid any job stoppers as I will be performing this task in a remote location from my house and don't feel like sleeping in my office.
So, any pointers for replacing the center support itself and the driveshaft bushing. I know you need to drill that, insert a drift and pry it out. I expect it to resist.
Hopefully it'll go smoothly.

Thanks!

__________________
63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

If you find that you need to remove the exhaust system completely instead of just moving the back end to one side or the other you might want to check out my recent post if you haven't already seen it. On my 86 300E I wasn't able to drop the exhaust completely without removing the Idler arm, bushings and attendant hardware and possibly the exh. manifolds.

Gary

Gary,

I finally found your reply. I read the post that you attached. I had removed the exhaust before, but the car was on a lift so I had enough room to angle the whole system down to get the precats past the idler arm.
But I did get a brilliant idea from your post and the replies. If I'm just trying to get the driveshaft out, I should just be able to loosen up the exhaust and swing it out of the way. If I'm working on jack stands, there's no way to angle it down enough to get it out without following your procedure.

Thanks!

__________________
63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

I took the driveshaft out without undoing the exhaust, and put it back in, all i did was lowered it by unhooking the rubber hangers, and i think lowered the transmission by taking off the support and jacking it down. A little tight but it can be done. Maybe easier to just take the exhaust down i dunno?