PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

ksing44 · #18 12-23-2008, 10:16 AM

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=182598
Link to my saga and help from Steve Brotherton, a real expert.

For me, adjusting the Bowden cable did not fix the 3rd to 4th shift flair. Adjusting the vacuum modulator definitely helped. I turned mine a half turn to firm up the shifts. It helped the flair, but made all of the shifts firmer. I am not sure if a flair or firmer shifts are more likely to decrease the lifespan of my transmission, but I went with the firmer shifts to minimize the flair. Mine is also worse when cold.

My understanding is that the flair is a sign that the transmission is getting on in age and showing signs of wear. Mine started after a fluid change at the dealer that was part of replacing the kickdown actuator and replacing all of the seals. I now have a leak free transmission with a shift flair that may need to be rebuilt in the not too distant future. The dealer told me I would need a new transmission, but I have been driving with the flair for more than 2 years.

Just a word of caution, be careful with shifting in and out of reverse. I was told that the reverse gear is most likely to fail, especially with the increased vacuum pressure after adjusting the modulator. Just be sure to be at a full stop before you shift into reverse.