Got the new exhaust on the TE tonight, very very nice now. Not a bad job once we got the stinking bolts out of the clamps on the converter, naturally both overtightened AND rusted to perdition.... Had to use a Dremmel and a hacksaw to cut them.

Once that was done, it was an easy job.

However, while I had it up I decided to take a look at the rear -- Mom doesn't drive it all that much (6000 miles a year or so), but it's been a while since the brakes, etc were looked at.

Sure enough, needs new pads on the rear (rotors OK), and thrust and torque links.... I hate that job!

Oh well, probably cheaper than chasing women (and considerably less likely to kill me from a heart attack, too!).

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Oh, it sounded big and bad alright -- front muffler appears to have nothing in it, and rear is in the yard....

Removed the remnants last night and installed new mufflers. Very nice, no exhaust noise at all.

Not a bad job other than the usual hassle getting old rusty bolts off. Split the pipe on the "slip on" section with a Dremmel tool and cutoff wheel in two slices 1/4" apart, spreat with a pair of channel-locks and it came right off.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Peter:

Is there a particular brand of OEM-quality muffler that you've had success with? I have nothing against the dealer, but their exh. system parts prices are too much to swallow.

Thanks.

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

Ebelsbeaker (sp) are the best, buit even they don't seem to last as long as the factory ones. Best bet is a TimeValve, but if you think the dealer is expensive....

You will get much better prices on FastLane here, should have them in stock.

The Timevalve (18-8 stainless, very heavy) was $925 for the TE, OEM was $480 with seals.

I'm going to put a TimeValve on the 280 SE, it's actually somewhat cheaper at $725 than the factory replacements (about $950 -- and that doesn't include the front pipes!).

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Well, there's good news and bad news....

Good news is that the rotors will last another pad change. Bad news is that one caliper is VERY stiff, so I'm gonna do a rebuild on that one plus change the brake fluid.

Funny how many things a bad exhaust can hide. Noticed more vibration than I like on the right front tonight, sure enough it's a bad tie rod or drag link, play developed since the alignment a year and a bit ago.

I can also now hear the bad links squeaking. Terribly.

Fortunately, I do love to spend money....

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!