My indy MB mechanic wants $140.00 in labor to change my front shocks and $125.00 to change the fluid and filter in the transmission on my 300SD. Are his prices out of line? His hourly rate is $70.00.

-George

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'81 300TD (White) 225,000 miles
'85 300SD (Burgandy) 239,000 miles
'86 300SDL (Silver) 340,000 miles

With regard to the fluid and filter for the trans, it would depend on whether he is going to find the drain plug and drain the torque converter. This must be answered first.

Brian:

Thanks for the reply. He said that he will drain the torque converter also.

-George

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'81 300TD (White) 225,000 miles
'85 300SD (Burgandy) 239,000 miles
'86 300SDL (Silver) 340,000 miles

George,

$125. is about right to drain and refill trans and t/c including filter and pan gasket.

I need to see if I can convince my trans mechanic to do the same on the SD with regard to the t/c. He will probably look at me like I'm a moron with that request.

george,

Why not DIY and save $285 + tax. Both jobs are no brainers. Seems like I replaced my dampers ( you call them shocks) in about 15 minutes each.

I certainly wouldn't pay that much for such simple jobs.

P E H

P.E.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to tackle the front shocks this weekend!

-George

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'81 300TD (White) 225,000 miles
'85 300SD (Burgandy) 239,000 miles
'86 300SDL (Silver) 340,000 miles

R/R tranny fluid, including the torque convertor is amazingly simple.

The torque convertor has a bolt that I believe is a hex head with an o-ring, very easy job.

The great thing about those tranny gaskets is that you don't have to use adhesive,making it quicker to r/r the tranny pan.

Once the pan is out, the rest is cake.

Experts, correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

It's very easy to do all three jobs. Kust don't drop the t/c plug in the transmission housing. :p

I have a question regarding the removal of the t/c plug. On another thread, it was stated that the transmission crossmember must be removed to get access to the t/c plug on an SD. Can someone with an SD ('81-'85) comment as to whether this is required?