I was able to slide under the car a little bit and take some pictures of the front disk. Does anything look out of order with the front disk? Should those bolts be seated that way?

From what I know those mounting bolts have all shifted quite abit.
Wear, misalignment or just plain bad all could cause that.

Thanks bob I was hoping the front disc would not be the problem but if I can be sure that is the problem I would feel better knowing for sure.

Do you think that front disc could be causing the symptoms that I mentioned? Did you see any problem with the pictures I posted of the rear disc area?

Definitely needs attention as there are gaps which allows for slack upon movement (hence why you only notice it while moving).

Not entirely sure that is the whole problem, but it sure would be contributing. Common wear item every 60-80k, so just change it out for both good measure and preventative maintenance. Don't want that baby to crack in two while you are on the freeway!

The clunk in the rear of the car is probably the differential mounts. I have that in my 87 300e.

There would have to be a hell of a lot of slop in a flex disc or an axle to cause a noticeable hesitation. Even 5-10 degrees of slop, which would be rather a lot for a flex disc or axle would barely be noticeable as a hesitation, but it would certainly be likely to clunk.

I think you have more than one issue here. Sounds to me like the transmission is engaging late, and when it does the sudden torque increase causes the slop in the flex discs and/or rear axle(s) to clunk audibly.

That rear differential looks pretty oily, you may want to check that the fluid level is adequate too.

Check the trans fluid level. Low fluid can cause all sorts of weird trans symptoms including slipping, late shifts, etc...... A clogged trans filter could also be to blame.

Thanks for all the replies. I checked his tranny fluid level. That seems fine.

I dont know how to check the differential level. Can anyone explain that for me?

Mechanic wants $400 to do the front disc if that is the problem

It is noticeable when stepping on the gas from a stop. Once the car gets moving it is not noticeable.

Is it a hard DIY procedure for us to do at home in the garage?

Not too terribly hard if you have proper equipment.


CAUTION - When you disconnect the drive shaft, there is no longer a park pawl holding the car in place. The car must be on a level surface and carefully chocked!


How much of a hesitation are we talking about here, anyway?

I'm still not convinced the problem is not in the trans. You say the problem happens every time you start from a dead stop. Well, let's use our imaginations for a second..... Any slop in the drive train will get taken up when you shift from park or neutral into drive, right? The torque from the trans is supposed to always be present on the drive train when the car is in gear. This is why the car starts to move by itself when you take your foot off the brake. So, that slop goes away the very first time you go into gear, right? Okay, so how then does it re-appear at every stoplight unless the driver is shifting to neutral?

The only way this could be happening is if the trans is not applying torque to the drive train at all times, and that points to trans problems.

It's easy to replace. When I replaced my front flex disc, I had to remove the rear one so I could slide the drive shaft back to remove and install the front one.

Not a tremendous amount. I did not notice it at first.

I also have not noticed it in reverse yet.

Is it basically removing 6 bolts from the rear and removing 6 bolts from the front and just pulling it out? Are there any other parts like the bearing I should check out while it is of?

Yes, that's about it. One thing I like to do is put witness marks on the shaft/connectors so that the drive shaft goes back on the the same position.

Remove filler plug at differential, stick your finger in the hole, if low, add fluid, screw filler plug back in.