Posted this morning regarding this shop called Phoenix Auto Works in Austin over in the Good MB Shops > Texas forum, but didn't get any reply whatsoever.

I know you CenTex people have some good advice for a man in need...

Here's the original thread (in the seemingly dead forum):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=184958

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

Hey Justin, how ya doing? I don't have much experience with them, but when I bought Garner, I had them do one of those pre-buy once overs, and it was right on, in retrospect. Just talk up the guy (there's always one) who takes a shine to mature diesels...

So what's up with the wagon?

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"Garner"-1983 300D Turbo (285K)

I've got this crazy clunking sound under acceleration. Already replaced the flex discs, that wasn't it. The mechanic I usually go to says that he thinks it's the driveshaft center support bearing (not sure if I said that right). I'm trying to get a second opinion before I pay the moneys, I want somebody to know what it is.

Could be the rear axles too, I'm actually hoping for that because I think it's an easier job.

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

I have no experience with your type chassis, but I had a vibration in the driveshaft that was remedied by replacing my diff mount (I also have that driveshaft center bearing support on hand, for when the time comes).

Didn't Henry drive a 124(that's your chassis, right?) wagon out to Randy's shindig? Maybe one of them will chime in!

Good luck!

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"Garner"-1983 300D Turbo (285K)

Yes he did, Mr. High Mileage award!

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

Henry's banned here. Go here to contact Henry: http://schumanautomotive.com/forums/index.php

A rhythmic clunking (at about 3X wheel speed) at 15-20mph on acceleration that dissapears if you let off of the throttle is probably a bad center support. The rubber in the support rots out after a while and allows the u-joint and bearing to orbit under load.

Not a hard job to do but it does help to have a claw puller to replace the center bearing if it needs it. Make sure you witness mark all the driveshaft piceces before dissassembly and reassemble accordingly.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Maybe not on a W124....

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Is it possible to verify whether the center support is bad by getting under the car and looking? I take it this is something that requires the removal of the driveshaft, since you mention replacing the center bearing, right? I thought that was a big job in itself (removing the driveshaft). Not something I'm feeling up to task for.

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

Yes, a visual exam of the center support would allow you to determine it's condition. Prying on the rubber part with a long screwdriver or grabbing the driveshaft and moving it vertically should reveal any hidden tears in the support.

I can't remember but, a 124 may be like the 126 and have a sheetmetal cover under the driveshaft suppport that will block access to it. The cover would only be held on with half-dozen machine screws.

Yes, repair would require you to remove the driveshaft.

Depending on the miles, I would consider replacing the driveshaft...if it's got a lot of miles (250,000+) the u-joint is going to be worn right at the center of it's movement. Nobody near here does reman of MBZ shafts so a reman out of California from Thrash is the way to go.

I went through a similar continuum on my wagon, chasing a vibration a year prior to the install of the manual tranny. I R&R the support and support bearing without success and finally gave up and bought a reman shaft. That brand new support and bearing went back to California on the old core shaft.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Thanks, will report back after I check it out later this evening

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon