Is This All I Need - Support Bearing R&R - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BrierS · #1 08-10-2005, 07:23 AM

Need to do R&R work on both Mercedes (see below). The '84 needs both flex discs and support bearing. I don't want to order parts, start the job and find I forgot to order something . . . so,
1) two flex discs
2) grooved bearing
3) grooved bearing support
4) one protective cap (or are there two?)

For my '87 the flex discs appear to have been recently replaced by PO. The support bearing's rubber is extensively cracked. So,
1) grooved bearing
2) grooved bearing support
3) rubber sleeve/boot

I have printed the instructions from the CD manuals and viewed the parts offered via FastLane yet I cannot tell if there are parts involved that I have missed. If anyone having done this procedure would be willing to review my lists and offer advice it would be appreciated.

Thanks
Steve

rs899 · #2 08-10-2005, 07:57 AM

You have it right. Just need one protective cap per assembly. And , you probably could reuse the one you have in a pinch if its not too bad.

It's not really that hard a job- just follow the manual.

I have done 3 now- the last one took all of 10 minutes on the bench.

rs899 · #3 08-10-2005, 08:02 AM

OH- two words of advice.

Before you start disassembling the assembly on the bench, take some paint and mark the front of both the old and new rubber supports.

After you have the old one apart you will get confused as to which way faces front. BTDT. If they are marked, no problem.

Also, be a little repectful of the two metal dust caps that protect both ends of the bearing. It's very easy to damage these and I don't think these are commonly available- probably a dealer item. Cheap enough, but will mean a trip in the middle of your job.

Cheers

Pete Burton · #4 08-10-2005, 08:33 AM

Steve, make sure you mark the driveshaft before you seperate the front from the back. They are balanced, so they will go together wrong many ways but correctly only one. Seeing as you are doing both flex discs, take the whole driveshaft out at once. Then, you can deal with that large collet nut with it out of the car. That rubber boot can be torn if you are not careful. If it's old/cracking and not too $$, that might be worth replacing too.

BrierS · #5 08-10-2005, 09:01 AM

The marking procedure I have so engrained in my head I am certain it will appear I went overboard . . . the rubber boot on my '87 was slapping around so I finished that off when trying to locate the problem. A replacement it will have.

I believe the metal "dust" caps may lock (???) against the bearing and/or support. I can't really tell from the photo nor description. Regardless, if they are available from Phil I'll include them with my order.

The '84 is going to be more problematic since it has a real vibration. I have found the obvious parts needing replacement yet when all is said and done I may have additional problems. The PO had the transmission out and it is possible the replacement of the worn flex discs and support bearing/support will not solve the speed vibration. I'll have to see if the shaft was improperly installed . . . also, from what I have read in another thread, the bracket from the exhaust/trans may be improperly mounted. I will have my work cutout for me since there are known bad parts and a real potential for some unknown. At least if I have the parts that the rest of you have encountered when doing the same procedures I'll feel more confident.

Thanks and any/all advice is always welcome.
Steve

Pete Burton · #6 08-10-2005, 09:10 AM

Steve, from what you described, I would DEFINITELY take the driveshaft assembly to have balanced. The chances are excellent that the PO pulled the driveshaft apart without marking it and put it back wrong, so it's no longer in balance. That could be a big part of your vibration problem right there.

BrierS · #7 08-10-2005, 09:20 AM

That has been in the back of my mind though I have tried to rationalize that against the possibility of finding the factory arrows being a guide. According to how I have read the manual on the '84 the balance should correspond with the factory alignment marks. If it was pre-82 they may or may not. Help me with that since I am not certain they are clearly stating that in the manual (I have the factory manuals and the CDs). My best bet would seem to be to follow what you stated above and have it shop balanced. What say you?
Thanks.
Steve

Pete Burton · #8 08-10-2005, 09:52 AM

My experience unfortunately is limited to the 82 I have. I've tried and never found any marks or arrows. In the end, and especially since you just can't know what evil (well intentioned or not) has been done before, balancing it IMHO is the way to go. Still, mark it before you take it out. Then, clean it up and replace the center support complete. When you take it to a competent shop (and I'd do some searching and ask around - racing affectionados are a good source) ask them to see how balanced it was in the position it WAS in also. Then, you have the added knowledge that it was out of balance, and if so, how much. Pick their brains a bit, it's almost always worth it.

Lenny Lipscomb · #9 08-11-2005, 01:00 PM

You will probably need a puller with deep jaws to get the center bearing and rubber mount off. The vibration might be the U joint. On my 88, balance alignment marks are cast into the drive shaft ends.

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