Skill-check - 722.3xx transmission - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PRCBD · #1 07-20-2007, 11:20 PM

Howdy,

I'm looking for some honest opinions about the skill level required for a transmission rebuild. I'm pulling the tranny from my 300SDL this weekend and am toying with getting the rebuild kit.

First the demise: she's been smelling of burnt clutch for a couple of weeks and I used a lower gear on a hill recently and by the time I got home she was throwing a lot a fluid from the TC area and not shifting at all - apparently stuck in 4th. Anyway after ~2 years of poor performace I've concluded that it is time for a rebuild.

Question: am I completely insane for thinking I can successfully rebuild this transmission? I'll tell you what I;ve done to this car...new Bosio injectors, glow plugs, fuel lines, brake pads and other more mundane tasks.

If I were to buy a rebuild kit, suggestions for brand? If not, I'm still trying to figure out which is the "good" transmission place in NJ that barry has alluded to in a few posts...any ideas?

thanks in advance!

prc

Brian Carlton · #2 07-20-2007, 11:46 PM

What do you have for documentation of the transmission, assy/disassembly procedures, and parts lists?

What specialized tools do you possess for this task?

dynamitejacket · #3 07-21-2007, 01:07 AM

somebody on this very forum once posted: there isnt anything build by a man that cant be repaired by one

I am about to dive in to my own transmission, and although i cannot speak from any experience as yet, my modus operandi will be: Take my time, take lots of pictures, read the fine manual several times, and use the most important resource available to you- the combined experience contained in this forum and others like it.

I say go for it. you cant make it any worse than it already is, and you just might learn something. just dont expect to get it done in a weekend- plan on a month i think

PRCBD · #4 07-21-2007, 01:14 AM

Brian,

thanks for responding...I have a `160 PAGE PDF called "Automatisches Getriebe 722.3" which is a bit sparse on details, but should be somewhat useful. I am still looking for other manuals, but from the posts I've read, no single manual covers the bill...suggestions

I should say there is no real time constraint ( I can always pick up that 300D I've always wanted) and I am willing to acquire whichever special tools are actually required to replace seals and clutch packs. I've read about drilling out rivets to replace lip seals and requiring a thin-walled 27 mm socket for the yoke nut, but other than that I don't have a clue what I'm looking at in terms of needing special tools. I suppose if I have to spend $1000 on tools, I might as well get a pro rebuild...

I guess my real question is, how much time is it likely to take a novice to do what it takes to get the thing rebuilt.

thanks,

prc

Dieseldoofus · #5 07-21-2007, 01:14 AM

If you need the car to run, get a working gearbox from a junkyard and drop it in while you rebuild this one. If you get stuck, take it to a shop. When you're done, you'll have another transmision to sell off or scrap (that's a BIG chunk of recyclable metal).

PRCBD · #6 07-21-2007, 01:16 AM

DJ,

thanks for the encouragement...we may be looking for eachother's pics on this forum soon???

dynamitejacket · #7 07-21-2007, 01:24 AM

count on it. The trans comes out tomorrow morning

winmutt · #8 07-21-2007, 01:44 AM

Get the ATSG (sp?) manual as well.

PRCBD · #9 07-21-2007, 09:24 AM

sounds like a go....any opinions about kit brands?

Brian Carlton · #10 07-21-2007, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRCBD

Brian,

thanks for responding...I have a `160 PAGE PDF called "Automatisches Getriebe 722.3" which is a bit sparse on details, but should be somewhat useful. I am still looking for other manuals, but from the posts I've read, no single manual covers the bill...suggestions

I should say there is no real time constraint ( I can always pick up that 300D I've always wanted) and I am willing to acquire whichever special tools are actually required to replace seals and clutch packs. I've read about drilling out rivets to replace lip seals and requiring a thin-walled 27 mm socket for the yoke nut, but other than that I don't have a clue what I'm looking at in terms of needing special tools. I suppose if I have to spend $1000 on tools, I might as well get a pro rebuild...

I guess my real question is, how much time is it likely to take a novice to do what it takes to get the thing rebuilt.

thanks,

prc

The book should provide you with a decent foundation for the rebuild. Pay attention to all the specialized tools and specific measurements required at various points in the process.

I don't think it's overly complicated, but, you cannot ignore the specific distances specified.

In speaking with the tech at the dealership (fellow close to my age), he's rebuilt over 100 of them. It takes him about four hours to do one and it uses about $200. in parts.

Cleanliness is imperative. Being careful not to pinch any seals is critical.

I'd estimate that it takes you about 1 month of casual work to get it done. There will be several points where you'll want to clarify some specific points.

Unfortunately, there are very few of us who have attempted it. I'm certainly not one of them.

cali420 · #11 10-06-2009, 05:41 PM

sorry if this has is an old post or if the problem has been solved but i just wanted to throw in my 2 cents of info.
i know this isnt the exact trans. # but it may help you.

http://w126.pp.ru/akp722.pdf