560SEL Auto Transmission Bowden Cable Install - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

CzarFC · #1 01-08-2006, 03:03 AM

I'm replacing the Bowden Cable on my '88 560SEL since I believe it's the culprit for the tranny leak. I have the cable in my possession and by the looks of things, it clicks into place on the transmission side. I would speculate that there is a gasket or seal that may need to be refreashed when I do this. Any insights? Also, I have the 126 maintainance CD, but I can't find any job numbers for transmission work other than the filter change and fluid replacement.

Anyone else ever replace this part??? Any tips/tricks/caveats?

Thanks!

Scott

CzarFC · #2 01-09-2006, 06:28 AM

??

C32AMG · #3 01-09-2006, 09:00 PM

The seal is a rubber o-ring, which with age becomes hard; that’s
Probably the source of the leak.

The housing is a twist lock fit; remove it by depressing the small
Tap on the housing and turning CCW then pull up. The tricky part
is disconnecting the cable end from the rod in the case. First Disconnect
the inner cable (not the outer) from the throttle linkage on the engine,
This would allow free play in the cable at the case end.

At the case pull the cable housing up, with a needle nose pliers grab and hold
the steel rod, you should be able too side the inner cable end off of the rod.

Reverse the procedure for installation.

CzarFC · #4 01-10-2006, 03:04 AM

Thanks for the notes! I figured out the click part but not the twist.

The leak appears to be coming from the top of the plastic tower, but I may have mis-traced it. Working laying on my back is disorienting!

Anyway, Thanks again for the tips! I'll try to post photos of the replacement to add to the knowledgebase.

Scott

CzarFC · #5 01-22-2006, 11:45 PM

When replacing this cable, is it necessary to remove the transmission oil pan in order to thread the hook through the eye in the cable?

CzarFC · #6 01-23-2006, 02:02 AM

Got bowden cable clicked into place in the transmission after getting the inner cable's eye hooked into the hook that goes into the transmission housing.

It took some force, but I finally got the cable connected to the throttle lickages.

Now I have another problem:
The cable does not allow the throttle to move. I have to do some voodoo since the cable did not want to connect to the ball. It did however connect with no resistance into the retaining ring and the clip did not fight me either. Any ideas why the cable is so tight?

Thanks in advance!

Scott

C32AMG · #7 01-23-2006, 08:17 PM

A couple of possibilities, the wrong cable for your model car
Or the cable is some how binding in the case.

Disconnect the cable socket end from its mating pin and
Pull it out, if its install correctly you should feel the spring
Tension of the plunger, and when released the cable should
Rebound back. Did you match the old cable to the new one?
Length wise.

CzarFC · #8 01-23-2006, 10:08 PM

did not match the old cable lenghtwise since the new one was marked with 126-###-###... part number.

I may try removing it and comparing it to the old one, however, the cable shroud fits perfectly between the transmission case and the retainer clip on the intake manifold. Before removing it, I'll try a couple simple troubleshooting steps that occured to me. (I hate it, I can't think of good stuff in the heat of the moment, on the creeper, but when I try watching a movie, or something else, the solution presents itself.

I detached the cable from the throttle control and tried moving the head and it will not move either up or down. I'm thinking something is bound up at the base of the cable. I'll remove and inspect the next time I'm underneath and see if I can figure out the problem...