axle and transmission fluid change

[hgupta]

The operator manual for the 190SL makes reference to changing the transmission fluid and the oil in the rear axle, but doesn't provide any tips or directions. I also couldn't find it in the service manuals. Does anyone have any recommendations for doing this? What transmission fluid and oil should I use for this? Are there any filters or replacement parts that I need to do this?

[bstreep]

Hemant,
I thought we just went over this for the rear axle... Try a search. I use Redline (9$ a quart) 70-90w in my rear axle. For the transmission change, try this link (LOTS of good stuff on this ponton site, including a Solex rebuild someone was looking for): http://www.geocities.com/mbzponton/index.htm.

Just like the rear axle, remove the FILL plug before the DRAIN (in case you can't get it back).

[Jim Villers]

Bill ... The link has expired.
As for the rear end, I use Mobil 1 synthetic gear lube. The manual specifies Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for the transmission (any brand of Dextron 2 is a good choice). I still have Mobil 1 in my transmission (I just became aware or the ATF reference).

[bstreep]

Sorry about the link. Ray has recently turned his site over to someone else. Try http://www.pontonpage.com

Jim, I'm not sure you don't have a better product in your transmission than ATF... Here in Texas I've heard that some folks use Mobil in their Ford Truck transmissions - I'm not recommending it, but people claim it's better. You can buy synthetic ATF, but what's the MOST important thing with your transmission is keeping everything spotless - there's no filter for it so whatever falls or goes in, gets left in until you drain.

[hgupta]

I've been looking all over town for a 14mm hex socket or allen wrench that is short enough to give me enough clearance to insert it into the transmission fill plug, but I can't seem to find one like that. How did you guys get around this problem, or where can I find a hex socket that will that will fit?

[bstreep]

OK, here are 2 easy, inexpensive (I like that!) solutions. 1) take a 14mm nut/bolt combination and put 2 nuts on it with a lockwasher in between. Use the head of the bolt to go into the 14mm hex hole, and use the "top" nut with a 14mm wrench to drive it. 2) take an oversized allen wrench (bigger than 14mm), cut a 1 inch or so piece from it. Using a grinder or Dremel tool (or a file if you have too..) grind down the 6 edges ON 1 END ONLY! to fit the 14mm hole. Use a 6 sided 14mm socket for a guide. Then to use it, take a socket that fits the original end of the Allen wrench and you now have a 14mm hex socket!

The Frugal Mechanic

[bstreep]

PS: Option 1 doesn't always work - it will give out under undue pressure. I came up with option 2 after option 1 gave out on my transmission. It had worked fine on the rear. Also, if you happen to be fortunate and own a tool kit for the car, there's a 14mm allen wrench in it!

[Robby Ackerman]

Hemant

I purchased a 14mm allen wrench and ground it shorter on the short end so that it would fit between the fuel tank and the differential. I use a good quality 90W lube in the diff and ATF in the tranny. Sometimes I use synthetic and sometimes regular. The owners manual recommends changing every 18,000 Km. Note the Diff must be filled with the rear wheels on the ground in other words, the rear cannot be jacked up in any way. The gear lube fills the axle shafts to the wheel bearings. So if it is lifted at all it will be overfilled and run out the vent pipe.

Robby

[Jim Villers]

Hemant .... You didn't if mention you looked in your tool kit that should have come with the car for the special 14mm hex wrench. They also appear on eBay every so often. I have not tried to make one but if I was going to, I would get about 4 nuts and weld them onto a bolt and grind tje welds flat. I would then use it with a 14mm box wrench. There is little room for a socket.

[hgupta]

Thanks guys!
I know I have innundated ya'll with questions, with little advice to offer, but I really appreciate your help! I wish I could make it to Leadville, CO to meet everyone, but I am on a supertight budget (probably too tight to own this car!-- hopefully the next meeting will be in Memphis next year???)
I was debating between applying epoxy to a 14mm bolt and then adding 4 nuts to it before the epoxy set, or buying the 14mm hex socket bit from Autozone and filing it down to the right size with the rotary tool. I'll probably try the bolt first since it is cheaper, and if that fails I am only out $1. Unfortunately the Autoxone hex socket comes in a pack with 12 mm and 17 mm for almost $10.00. I have heard that Mercedes (And BMW) sell a shorter hex socket, but I bet it will cost a lot!
I'll let you know how it turns out this weekend!

[Aaron]

Hemant,

There is a special MB tool made by Hazet of West Germany which is specifically for this purpose. It's a wrench with a 14mm box end on one end and on the other end is an insert which accepts two different 14mm bits, one long and one short. If you go to http://www.samstagsales.com you can look this tool up. It's about $25 if I remember correctly. Hazet number is 2760? I think.