Well, if that would cause the kind of symptoms that I heard and felt in the shifter- then I'll suggest to the shop that they look at it first. It does feel like something is rubbing/banging/clanking at road speed (not engine speed)- so would make sense if it was loose and banging away down there. If it could affect the movement of the gear shifter mechanism- then that further points to the "flex disc."

I would guess that it would also be a good time to check the tranny mount, driveshaft/propellershaft center bearing and motor mounts? -J

Hello everyone,
I just wanted to post the outcome of my noise, vibration, and shifter problems for anyone who experiences (and searches on) these symptoms in the future (isn't that what forums like this are all about anyway?!) I'll post this everywhere I posted this issue originally to hopefully help someone out someday....

It seems that the "VIBRATION DAMPENER" of the propellershaft came loose. All of the internal rubber that had connected this heavy outer steel ring to the propeller shaft had disintegrated, and it became loose, sliding BACK of the driveshaft. It was probably happily sitting back on the propshaft, until I hit the brakes to avoid hitting the a**hole that pulled out in front of me. It then slid forward on the propshaft- clanking, banging, rubbing and interfering with the shifter linkage.

The shop was very honest, cut the offending dampener off, and called me to let me know that I did NOT need a transmission after all. What's more- they didn't charge me for staying open late for me to limp it to them in first and second gear from across town. I'll replace the dampener soon....

Thank you too all of those who contributed their thoughts and guidance on this topic. You make this forum a great resource for the rest of us! -John

John,

If possible, can you post a picture of either the old or new part that they're describing as a "vibration dampener"? I currently have the driveshaft removed from my 86 300E, and the only rubber parts on it are the flex disks at each end and the center support bearing rubber mount in the middle, which is bolted to the chassis. There's no part I can see on mine that, even if it came loose, would be able to traverse the driveshaft. Is this something that's common on MB's other than the 300E, or perhaps peculiar to the 190D or the manual trans model in particular? If you can quote a part number, that would great as well. That way I could ask to see one at the dealer's parts department.

Always eager to learn something new...

Gary

Hey Gary,

I tried to clean this thing up- and I'm using a jeweler's loupe (don't ask) to try and figure out the part number....

It Looks like:
201 411 05 47 w 286

It's a heavy steel disc, about 5.25" in diameter, and 2" in width with deteriorated rubber still adhered to the inside of the disc. My mechanic found a picture of it in his computer and it just says "vibration dampener." I've driven it since they cut the offending thing off- and it's actually smoother now than it has been since we bought the car in february.

I went thru my usual online catalogs and can't find anything on it though. If you happen to find out what else this thing could be called could you email me? I probably should replace it... J

Actually, I found some pictures at Braingears.com in the 201 Chassis section under "Propellor Shaft".

You might try running the first 10 digits of that part number past Phil at FastLane and see if it's available. It looks like it bolts in between the flexdisk and the coupler yoke. Might require rebalancing of the driveshaft.

Gary

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those things! i now can see how it would cause the shifter problem. surely the failure of one is rare.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

That thing was starting to come apart on my euro 240D. We cut it off and tossed it. I have had no driveline vibrations without it, in fact that car is smoother than my 300D.

__________________
Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



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