hello,
to change the front propshaft coupling do i really have to remove the whole shaft as it says in the haynes manual? or can it be levered into place with shaft in situ. i think mercedes book 1hour labour to do the job is this correct?it is a 5speed manual.
many thanks
hamish
89 230te

Does your model have the round rubber plates that mount the driveshaft (propshaft) to the transmission and differential yokes? If so, I just replaced both on my '71 250C and I believe you should be able to replace the mount without removing the shaft. Mine may be completely different from yours, but there should be a "sleeve nut" about 1/3 the way back from the tranny if yours is a two-piece shaft. Once that's loosened, you should be able to compress the shaft enough to pop the mount out. A word to the wise, the rear must be jacked on both sides (both wheels off the ground) so that once you put the transmission in neutral, you can turn the shaft to reach all of the bolts. I hope you have a similar set-up, otherwise this won't help you much - unfortunately I know my car quite well, but not other models!