Hours to pull a 603 trans? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

New2MB · #1 01-13-2011, 01:09 AM

I'm working in an unheated carport with a dirt floor in northern Michigan and it's the coldest month of the year so before I get started I'm wondering...

How many hours to pull the transmission out of my 1987 300SDL?

It was just installed so the bolts are not rusted, not loctited, everything should come apart with relative ease.

I just swapped the trans in my '99 PSD and it took 6 days; 3 in, 3 out. It's only a 12 hour job book time but I probably only got 24 actual hours of work done in those 6 days. Given that I'm much more familiar with my 300SDL I expect to be closer to book time, whatever that may be.

jimishadow · #2 01-13-2011, 07:02 AM

it took me 5 hours to remove and replace tranny on my 86 sdl.i did it in garage with cenent floor akone with a floor jack.cut bolts to make guide pins threaded in block so its easy to line up.i did my sons tranny in a shop with lift and a friend in a little over 2 hours using air tools.

New2MB · #3 01-13-2011, 08:38 AM

Excellent, doesn't sound too daunting.

Thanks for the guide pin tip.

Just to be sure I understand; cut the heads off of two long bolts that thread into the bell housing. Thread them into the bell housing by hand, use them to line up the trans, unbolt them once it's bolted in. Correct?

635CSi · #4 01-13-2011, 09:17 AM

its actually fairly easy, mind you I've taken out several trannys on the W126 diesels. On the ground in the cold I would say 1-1.5 hours. On a lift with air tools and heat 40 mins

babymog · #5 01-13-2011, 03:09 PM

I did one in Michigan in the winter, on the dirt under the car at a junkyard, hand tools only (in a wheelbarrow), it took me about 3hours. Be sure that you have several long extensions (borrow if you have to) for the top bellhousing bolts, can be done from the tail-shaft area then fairly quickly.

You'll need to raise the car on ramps or something, you probably know that.

New2MB · #6 01-13-2011, 08:12 PM

One hour? Yeah, ok.

4 hours with a couple breaks, no big hangups. I reconnected the Bowden cable immediately to ensure that I didn't forget and have to try install it once the trans was back in.

Broke those drive ears in the front pump just like ya'll (don't recall exactly who) told me. Can't wait to get it back together and put some miles on it!

lietuviai · #7 01-14-2011, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

I did one in Michigan in the winter, on the dirt under the car at a junkyard, hand tools only (in a wheelbarrow), it took me about 3hours. Be sure that you have several long extensions (borrow if you have to) for the top bellhousing bolts, can be done from the tail-shaft area then fairly quickly.

You'll need to raise the car on ramps or something, you probably know that.

X2.
Those bolts are a real challenge, especially on the 124 I had. It also helps if you use a U-joint swivel with the socket but make sure the swivel you use is tight. Removing the rear transmission mount, removing the drive shaft and lowering the transmission helps get more access on those top bolts. Other than that the transmission is fairly straight forward to remove.
I'd say 2 hours tops for removal if you use a transmission jack.

babymog · #8 01-14-2011, 01:41 PM

Transmission jack, ... I've heard of those.

New2MB · #9 01-14-2011, 03:31 PM

I used an ATV jack and for the top bell housing bolts I just used a boxed end/open end wrench and got them from the top.

With the boxed end of the wrench on the bolt I used another combo wrench to get leverage. If you slide the closed end of a combo wrench into the open end of another wrench they will lock together and create a nice long wrench.

I'm applying for a patent.

babymog · #10 01-14-2011, 06:37 PM

Has worked for me for years, along with the allen-wrench extension box-end application.

New2MB · #11 01-14-2011, 07:45 PM

How's the allen-wrench extension-box end work?

babymog · #12 01-14-2011, 07:56 PM

Stick a box-end over the allen-wrench (the L-shaped type) for more leverage. I've removed at least ten M-B steering wheel bolts this way, works well.

Hatterasguy · #13 01-14-2011, 08:01 PM

A few years ago I pulled the transmission on my 87 SDL and it was quite simple, my dad and I pulled it and replaced the front seal in a few hours. Maybe 5-6 total for the whole job, remove, replace the seal, and replace, plus cleanup.

They are very simple cars to work on, with a ton of room, my dad said it was similar to his 69 Mustang. These are very simple cars, get a FSM if you already don't and dive in without fear.

lietuviai · #14 01-14-2011, 08:29 PM

I was thinking that a 126 has more room to access the top bolts. The 124 didn't. I cussed and swore the entire time I while trying to remove those bolts. It was twice as bad putting them back. Also some of the metallic tunnel insulation got caught between the trans and the engine while trying to put the trans back in. What a nightmare.