Transmission still going!

[sptt]

I was just searching the threads again and I can't seem to find what I'm looking for. It's not a big deal but just wanted to know if I have a chance to repair this little issue. Anyway, when I first bought the 91 300E with 172K, it started making a "clackity-clack" sound when I backed up using power. I panicked and took it to an expert "independent" MB repair shop. The tech drove it around and told me I needed a new transmission ($3,500). I sighed and left figuring I'd just drive it until it died. Also, when I go from park to drive or reverse, it delays and then jumps a little (lunges). No big deal. Hasn't worsened or improved. Shifting is still great and firm. I have 186K on it now. The reverse sound isn't there anymore. It still has the delay and I was wondering what that is caused by and if someone could fix vs. replacing the whole tranny. I want to go back to that guy and slam him. Also, another guy told me I needed a new water pump ($800.00 labor + pump I was quoted) when he saw my fan clutch wobbling. Thanks to this website, I replced the fan and clutch...no problems since!!!

[throne7]

I think you should just keep driving it. But make sure to always keep the transmission fluid topped up. Maybe you will be lucky and can drive another 50000 miles on it without issues.

[david s poole]

the delay is caused by worn reverse clutches.these are the main wear items in a 722.3 trans.as the thickness of the complete clutch pack gets thinner the large piston on the back of the front pump has to move further and further back to engage reverse.this probably accounts for the strange noises you heard.the problem can be fixed without tearing the whole trans apart,although it does have to come out.most shops don't want to do this in case something else starts to leak or malfunction after replacement as they usually get blamed.

[J. M. van Swaay]

The clicking was probably the B3 (reverse) piston impacting the K1 clutch carrier. As Mr. Poole described, thin clutch discs allow the B3 piston to much travel. The clicking is most pronounced when the piston first starts to make contact. This is because there are casting tabs on the piston. (see picture) Once these tabs have been completely worn away, the contact is still there but you won't notice it as much.

Everytime you select reverse, you are adding some ground up metal to your transmission fluid. It might go another 100K miles, or it could trash itself tomorrow. If it trashes itself, it could very well be catastrophic rendering the tranny unrebuildable.

So the question is "do you feel lucky"?

[sptt]

Wholly cow!!! That is scary. But, that does explain the sound I was hearing. I'm wondering if I should do a tranny fluid change? Some say don't do it with this many miles...I haven't. And you're right, anyone I talk to just wants to throw a new transmission in it but I remember someone saying it can be repaired. I'd be willing to take the repair chance but then, it runs fine and doesn't kick very hard when going into gear, just a .5 sec delay and a slight "uhh" and it's engaged. I usually back up very slow and/or coast so maybe I should not worry about it. Thanks for the replies and visual aid. Pictures tell it all.

[emerydc8]

I drove my 400E for several years with the delay and clicking noise. It eventually got to the point where it wouldn't move in reverse at all, but it gave me a few days' warning. If you don't use reverse much, you could probably get away with it like this for a long time. J. M. van Swaay's picture made me laugh. I have one of those too!

[LandYaghtLover]

My reverse was slipping too when I first got the car. Even started a thread here. Oddly it has dramatically improved both in engagement and catching. I am still taking the thing apart though. I am scared to drop the pan and find out what I may see!