Anybody know of a MB mechanic in upstate NY? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mr. Majestyk · #1 09-15-2008, 03:46 PM

I am in Watertown NY and having a tough time finding somebody to replace my flexdisc (if that is indeed what I need to have done to make this noise go away.) Please tell me if you or someone you know can do this job. The nearest dealership is 130 miles away (Romano Motors). Tom's svc center here in H20town can do oil changes and the like, but nothing like flexdiscs...Any info is appreciated.

450slcguy · #2 09-15-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Majestyk

I am in Watertown NY and having a tough time finding somebody to replace my flexdisc (if that is indeed what I need to have done to make this noise go away.) Please tell me if you or someone you know can do this job. The nearest dealership is 130 miles away (Romano Motors). Tom's svc center here in H20town can do oil changes and the like, but nothing like flexdiscs...Any info is appreciated.

First, you really need to list model and year of car.

I see no reason why any good mechanic could not change out the flex discs. It's a fairly simple job that even most competent diy'ers could handle. Really a no brainer, although a lift would definitly make the job a cinch.

jaoneill · #3 09-15-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Majestyk

I am in Watertown NY and having a tough time finding somebody to replace my flexdisc (if that is indeed what I need to have done to make this noise go away.) Please tell me if you or someone you know can do this job. The nearest dealership is 130 miles away (Romano Motors). Tom's svc center here in H20town can do oil changes and the like, but nothing like flexdiscs...Any info is appreciated.

Where exactly are you? Romano's is actually only an 85 mile hop from W'town.

I know this because I am 50 miles north of W'town and only 135 +/- miles from Romano's. There is a good indy shop here in Canton, they don't pretend to be MB specialists but I have had them do the occasional repair. They are honest and fair in every respect.

Jim

LUVMBDiesels · #4 09-15-2008, 07:15 PM

It is a trip from Watertown, but I know a great guy in New Paltz. (Exit 18 off the NYS Thruway)

jaoneill · #5 09-15-2008, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

It is a trip from Watertown, but I know a great guy in New Paltz. (Exit 18 off the NYS Thruway)

A four hour trip!!

kerry · #6 09-15-2008, 07:22 PM

If a shop can't change a flexdisc, they shouldn't be changing oil.

LUVMBDiesels · #7 09-15-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaoneill

A four hour trip!!

Hey I SAID it was a trip...
Just think, he gets to go through wonderful, scenic Albany, Make a stop at Woodstock, and finally get to hang out in the People's Republic of New Paltz

I do agree that any real machanic should be able to do flex disks. I just had my non-MB guys in WV do the center bearing and they did not mess it up... Of course with the amount of work I have done on RUdy's suspension with them, maybe they ARE MB guys now

jaoneill · #8 09-15-2008, 08:02 PM

My sense is, given his comment about the noise, that the driveshaft carrier (center) bearing is his problem.

Jim

450slcguy · #9 09-15-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

Hey I SAID it was a trip...
Just think, he gets to go through wonderful, scenic Albany, Make a stop at Woodstock, and finally get to hang out in the People's Republic of New Paltz

I do agree that any real machanic should be able to do flex disks. I just had my non-MB guys in WV do the center bearing and they did not mess it up... Of course with the amount of work I have done on RUdy's suspension with them, maybe they ARE MB guys now

Unless special tools or specific system knowledge is required, mechanics is mechanics. Don't drive yourself crazy thinking you need MB certified techs. to ratchet out a few bolts or swap out a component. Don't make the job more difficult than it really is.

3star · #10 09-15-2008, 08:14 PM

There's a MB dealership in Kingston ON if you don't mind crossing the border?
Maybe 60 miles or less depending if you take the Ivy Lea bridge or the ferry at Cape Vincent. With the exchange rate you'll gain about 7 cents on the dollar.

Mr. Majestyk · #11 09-16-2008, 10:26 AM

Thanks for the info- it is a 300te wagon 1990, and the noise is a pretty loud and dramatic sound of something seeming to "flop around" behind the front seats, in the center of the car, underneath. Flex disc is my buddy's guess. Occurs only under acceleration, usually in first gear before the automatic transmission shifts into 2nd. I am looking to sell the car but want to sell it in good working order for the next owner and this sound just began last week. I don't want to drive it down to the dealer, because I'd have to replate and insure it to do what is about actually an hour and a half drive each way, not 133 miles. I was only looking for mechanic recommendations in the area, but since we are talking about the car now, does that sound like something that could be the center bearing as was mentioned? Or more likely the flexdisc? I understand there are 2 flexdiscs on this car. Thanks for any feedback, helpful or not.

jaoneill · #12 09-16-2008, 05:55 PM

Your best bet is to crawl under the car and get a look. I wouldn't rule out a flex disk but, if the current noise was preceded by a howling sound, getting progressively worse over time, it is probably the center bearing and/or carrier. This bearing is mounted in a (rubber compound) "carrier". Very possibly the bearing seized, or got hot enough, to have destroyed the rubber portion of the carrier allowing the shaft to bang around within its steel shell.

Jim