I own a 1997 E320, with 190,000 miles on it.....On the way home today, I heard a thumping sound under the car, and having owned many Mercedes in the past, assumed that my flex disc must be on its way out.....

I jacked up the car and looked at the front flex disc and saw that it was clearly deteriorating, as it looked like a Chia pet!!!

What I also noticed, and it somewhat disturbed me, is that it appears as though my transmissions rear main seal is leaking, as well...

Common sense tells me that if the flex dic is causing the driveshaft to "wobble" that it would be pretty difficult for the seal to do its job....

My question is: "Should I replace the rear main seal when I replace the flex disc, OR should I assume that the seal has not been damaged and will continue to work once the driveshaft no longer wobbles as the the newly installed flex disc will restore the driveshaft's steadiness????

Also, worse case secnario, is it very difficult to access the rear transmission seal and is it difficult to replace?????.....I have changed front main transmission seals on W123 Mercedes diesels so I am competent at changing seals.......Just want to know if there's something odd that I should look out for on a 1997 E320's rear transmission seal replacement proceudure????

Thanx to ALL in advance, as always any input is more than greatly appreciated!!

Big Dee!

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Currently Driving
2006 E320 CDI
1999 E300 Turbo Diesl
2002 ML500
1995 E320 Station Wagon


MBs I've owned
1997 E320 Assassinated by Pine Tree
1987 300E Wife Killed Engine
1981 300D Stretch Limo Total Loss
1970 250 Coupe 212,000 mi.
1974 450sel 184,000 mi.
1974 240D 377,000 mi.
1977 300D 204, 000 mi.
1979 280se God Only Knows!
1983 240D 130,000 mi.
1972 220D 280,000 mi.
1983 300SD 244,000 mi.