Age gets the rear flex disk eventually, as does exposure to road chemicals, etc. Depends on where and how it's driven. Usually last much longer than the fronts, though -- those are usually a 60,000 replacement item.

Reminds me that I need to do my Mom's TE.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!