Won't hold in park on an incline anymore - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-24-2002, 01:29 AM

Greetings Everyone.

Just discovered this board today (and maybe just in time).
I have a 75 300d automatic which recently started acting up a little more than usual.

Main worry is this: I noticed the shifting through park, neutral to drive and back now makes a "ting" kind of noise. Also will not hold in park even on a slight incline (starts hopping back down the driveway) with out the extra help of the parking brake.

What gives? I'm terrified of going into the shop with very limited knowledge. Any ideas?

Secondary worry: Car kind of looks like its leaning down just a little bit to the left and makes a "clunk" when making sharp right turns or going over bumps.

I would love to keep this car and dread coming up against a fix that i am financially unable to bear.

Would greatly appreciate any suggestions!!
Great looking community you folks have setup here.

thanks!

one more thing - can anyone recommend a good mbz mechanic in san francisco bay area?

stevebfl · #2 08-24-2002, 08:14 AM

Although there is an internal reason on those trannies for no engagement of reverse, that "tink" tells the whole story. You have lost the nylon shift bushing and are metal to metal. This keeps the link from being long enough to hit reverse. Simple repair.

Gilly · #3 08-24-2002, 08:46 AM

The "leaning" problem could be a big safety concern. I'd have it checked right away, the problem could get much worse and cause a loss of control and an accident, you're risking your life and other road users lives.
Possible causes are a broken spring, bad ball joint, or a rust-weakened underbody structure. (I'm in Wisconsin, so I've seen a few "rust weakened underbody structures" in my day). If it's THAT (rust) you may as well scrap it out, to be blunt, or maybe part it out.

Gilly

Ridge · #4 08-24-2002, 11:16 AM

Oldsmoker,

If you find that you need a tranny transplant, I've a good tranny that I just took out of a 300D that I'm changing to manual shift and the car has only 87,000 miles on it. It's taking up a lot of floor space in my garage, email me if you're interested, I'll make you a price you can't refuse.

Ben, In the Bay Area

#5 08-24-2002, 02:39 PM

the reverse is ok, just doesnt hold in park on an incline.
same problem?

Quote:

Originally posted by stevebfl
Although there is an internal reason on those trannies for no engagement of reverse, that "tink" tells the whole story. You have lost the nylon shift bushing and are metal to metal. This keeps the link from being long enough to hit reverse. Simple repair.

stevebfl · #6 08-25-2002, 08:26 AM

Sorry. I meant park where I said reverse. The spring loaded link (inside the tailhousing) that engages the parking pawl sticks for some reason. I think only the early metal links do this, anyway because of the sound it made you probably just need a bushing or two (one at each end of the external shift rod.

#7 08-25-2002, 01:17 PM

Thanks.

Armed with this information, I'm having it checked out this Monday or Tuesday.