My 1991 190E 2.6 needs a new front flex disc, I am informed. The price quoted to me is $252. Is this a fair price, MB certified indy shop labor included?

They charged my $350 to replace my visco fan clutch and fan.

This is a very good shop, they are very personal and treat my car like a baby...but isn't this a little steep?

I don't know -- just asking. Hopefully STEVEBFL will let me know, I trust his opinion on this type of thing.

**Also, I'm pretty good at DIY. How long could I do it reasonably easily and would it take more than a couple of hours?

brookspw

__________________
1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles

Check this tread:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?action=showresults&searchid=222041&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

lots of info on flex disc replacement
jackD

Jackd -- with all due respect, I DO know what I'm doing on this board. Of course I searched first. But, since I didn't find what I was looking for, I posted the question.

I still haven't found the answer, so I'm still asking.

brookspw

__________________
1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles

If you know what you're doing, why ask?
Sorry for trying to help you.
jackD

Hey Jackd - that was rather rude - the guy was just asking if the price he was quoted was fair and if the job was easy enough for him to do. A simple yes or no would have done. To be a little more helpful - Fastlane sells the front flex disc for $75.11 so the dealer is obviously charging for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours shop labor depending on his rate. Does that sound normal for this job? I don't know - never had to do one.

brookspw, Jackd was just trying to guide you to some posts that showed both quotes from other members and the price of the part in case you wanted to do it yourself. And I don't think Steve Brotherton is gonna tell you anything either. Shops are in the business of making a living, not undercutting each other in different markets. Let me give you a good example. Alignment shop just called to say one of my vehicles needs a lower ball joint before they can align. Quoted price of $163. Well I know that the part is $40, so that means they want $123 for a 30 minute job. I'll do it myself and take it back for the alignment. BUT, if I didn't have $3000 worth of tools and the knowledge and time to do it myself, then that would be a fair price. So it's all relative. If you're not a DIY but a smart shopper, then call around and get several quotes. That's the only way to know. Or, you could read the posts that Jackd suggested and see what other people paid.

Ok -- I wasn't trying to be rude to Jackd, either. I was just saying that I DID follow the prescribed procedure (doing a search first) and he assumed that I didn't.

Also, I'm not trying to undercut anyone. If Steve said it was $252 and I lived in Gainesville, I'd happily drive right in and let him do it.

I was just wondering, from experience of those on this board, if that seemed like a reasonable price.

I do appreciate the replies, though. As far as doing it myself, my main concern is that, once I get the 6 bolts out, can I get it apart and put back together considering the tight space and tight fit.

Thanks,

brookspw

__________________
1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles

well Brookspd - if you do attempt it yourself - remember - anything that can - will. Be prepared for problems as they usually do occur.

If you get it apart and that's your way of transportation, then you WILL get it back together, somehow. This paticular job involves some special tools, patience and the ability to work in a confined space. There is also the safety issue of jacking the car up and stabilizing it so that you don't get crushed! You also need to know how to read "This side toward driveshaft" in German. If I had ANY doubt that I could not do all of the above, I would take it to a shop!

I haven't searched, but I recall Capn' recently accomplishing this job and stating that you can simply pry back the drive shaft with a good pry bar to fit in the new flex disc. No need to lower the exhaust as others have had to do.

Good luck!

__________________
-Paul-
'01 E430, Sport 72,000 mi
'98 C280, 126,500 mi

My independent replaced the front flex disk on my 88TE in May of 2000, cost $263.37.

Sounds like you quote is in the right ballpark.

Good Luck.

Ed

I did jack up the transmission and remove the rear bracket and the exhaust pipe bracket. I did not lower the exhaust or remove the shield over the ehaust. Nor did I loosen or remove the center bearing, but I have a lot of experience working in tight places:p .

we get about 180.00 parts and labour for a front flex disc in a 124 or a 201.



Joe

__________________
Project Smoker, '87 603 powered wagon
Hauler, 96 CTD can you say torque?
Toy 73 Cougar xr7 convertible
Acme Automotive Inc.
Raleigh NC
919-881-0364

Ron,

You can do a flex disk at home in well under two hours, even taking breaks.

You'll need ramps and jack stands - front end on ramps, rear on stands (to allow rotation of the driveshaft). As far as tools, you'll need a 19mm box and socket, plus a big ol' torque wrench upon reassembly. You may, or may not have to open the tunnel to access the center nut to collapse the driveshaft,. Once the 6 bolts are loose at the flex disk try prying back the shaft, you'll need about 3/8", maybe a touch more. If you cannot pry it back then you have to open the tunnel and loosen the center nut to allow movement (also a good time to inspect the center bearing).

Once back remove the old disk and install the new with the new bolts that come with the kit. Note that there are steel tubes that protrude and fit in the yokes. Slide the shaft back forward and installed the bolts/nuts, torque to spec and you're done.

$75 in parts and a little of your time.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Thanks, Mike -- exactly what I was looking for. I knew this forum would provide the info.

brookspw

__________________
1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles