The input shaft on my transmission has quite a bit of end play. Could this be the cause of the noise I am having? Is there a spec? There are two spacers (front and rear) on the planetary gear on the end of the input shaft. The rear one shows wear to the copper and the fron one is ok looking. I was going to order these and they are back ordered. Is it possible for this shaft to move forward and back enough to allow rubbing inside of the torque converter? Here are pics. You can see the worn spots on the washer. Anyone have a tranny out they could check for me. If so I will give you a call or email me at progun01(at)bellsouth.net. Thanks for the help. Paul

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http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5...andbenzqj3.jpg1979 W123 300D Silver with Blue interior

Aaaaargh! Never mind. It wasn't that. I put it back togethere and I took all the slack out of the thrust bearing by putting a slight bend in the front washer. Same noise. I saw a VERY light bit of metal in the ATF but nothing more than normal. Is it possible the planetary gears are loose and vibrating transmitting the noise to the TC? The noise really sounds external. At first hear it sounds like the starter screeching but we mounted the starter and started the engine with no tranny and no noise. Has no one had this before? Just my luck, I have the only Benz with this problem. Paul

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http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5...andbenzqj3.jpg1979 W123 300D Silver with Blue interior