Front flex disc -- how much $$ to have replaced?
 

My 1991 190E 2.6 needs a new front flex disc, I am informed. The price quoted to me is $252. Is this a fair price, MB certified indy shop labor included?

They charged my $350 to replace my visco fan clutch and fan.

This is a very good shop, they are very personal and treat my car like a baby...but isn't this a little steep?

I don't know -- just asking. Hopefully STEVEBFL will let me know, I trust his opinion on this type of thing.

**Also, I'm pretty good at DIY. How long could I do it reasonably easily and would it take more than a couple of hours?

brookspw

Check this tread:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?action=showresults&searchid=222041&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

lots of info on flex disc replacement
jackD

Jackd -- with all due respect, I DO know what I'm doing on this board. Of course I searched first. But, since I didn't find what I was looking for, I posted the question.

I still haven't found the answer, so I'm still asking.

brookspw

If you know what you're doing, why ask?
Sorry for trying to help you.
jackD

Hey Jackd - that was rather rude - the guy was just asking if the price he was quoted was fair and if the job was easy enough for him to do. A simple yes or no would have done. To be a little more helpful - Fastlane sells the front flex disc for $75.11 so the dealer is obviously charging for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours shop labor depending on his rate. Does that sound normal for this job? I don't know - never had to do one.

Let me step in here..
 

brookspw, Jackd was just trying to guide you to some posts that showed both quotes from other members and the price of the part in case you wanted to do it yourself. And I don't think Steve Brotherton is gonna tell you anything either. Shops are in the business of making a living, not undercutting each other in different markets. Let me give you a good example. Alignment shop just called to say one of my vehicles needs a lower ball joint before they can align. Quoted price of $163. Well I know that the part is $40, so that means they want $123 for a 30 minute job. I'll do it myself and take it back for the alignment. BUT, if I didn't have $3000 worth of tools and the knowledge and time to do it myself, then that would be a fair price. So it's all relative. If you're not a DIY but a smart shopper, then call around and get several quotes. That's the only way to know. Or, you could read the posts that Jackd suggested and see what other people paid.:)

Ok -- I wasn't trying to be rude to Jackd, either. I was just saying that I DID follow the prescribed procedure (doing a search first) and he assumed that I didn't.

Also, I'm not trying to undercut anyone. If Steve said it was $252 and I lived in Gainesville, I'd happily drive right in and let him do it.

I was just wondering, from experience of those on this board, if that seemed like a reasonable price.

I do appreciate the replies, though. As far as doing it myself, my main concern is that, once I get the 6 bolts out, can I get it apart and put back together considering the tight space and tight fit.

Thanks,

brookspw:cool:

well Brookspd - if you do attempt it yourself - remember - anything that can - will. Be prepared for problems as they usually do occur.

Here's a thought
 

If you get it apart and that's your way of transportation, then you WILL get it back together, somehow. This paticular job involves some special tools, patience and the ability to work in a confined space. There is also the safety issue of jacking the car up and stabilizing it so that you don't get crushed! You also need to know how to read "This side toward driveshaft" in German.:) If I had ANY doubt that I could not do all of the above, I would take it to a shop!

I haven't searched, but I recall Capn' recently accomplishing this job and stating that you can simply pry back the drive shaft with a good pry bar to fit in the new flex disc. No need to lower the exhaust as others have had to do.

Good luck!

My independent replaced the front flex disk on my 88TE in May of 2000, cost $263.37.

Sounds like you quote is in the right ballpark.

Good Luck.

Ed

That's true
 

I did jack up the transmission and remove the rear bracket and the exhaust pipe bracket. I did not lower the exhaust or remove the shield over the ehaust. Nor did I loosen or remove the center bearing, but I have a lot of experience working in tight places:p .

we get about 180.00 parts and labour for a front flex disc in a 124 or a 201.



Joe

Ron,

You can do a flex disk at home in well under two hours, even taking breaks.

You'll need ramps and jack stands - front end on ramps, rear on stands (to allow rotation of the driveshaft). As far as tools, you'll need a 19mm box and socket, plus a big ol' torque wrench upon reassembly. You may, or may not have to open the tunnel to access the center nut to collapse the driveshaft,. Once the 6 bolts are loose at the flex disk try prying back the shaft, you'll need about 3/8", maybe a touch more. If you cannot pry it back then you have to open the tunnel and loosen the center nut to allow movement (also a good time to inspect the center bearing).

Once back remove the old disk and install the new with the new bolts that come with the kit. Note that there are steel tubes that protrude and fit in the yokes. Slide the shaft back forward and installed the bolts/nuts, torque to spec and you're done.

$75 in parts and a little of your time.

Thanks, Mike -- exactly what I was looking for. I knew this forum would provide the info.

brookspw

Sorry if my reply sounded a bit rude but, the link I suggested (from the search function) has literally tens of references of prices of replacing the flex disc along with suggestions and recommendations for DIY on this subject.
I did not assume anything, I simply refered you to a link where you could see (and read) more on the subject.
JackD

Just a little tip...
 

I finished this job yesterday and I may be stating the obvious, but for those who attempt this in the future, realize that the bolts are two different lengths. I found out the hard way when the shaft wouldn't turn without hitting something. (longer bolt was in shorter bolt hole)

I was able to pry the shaft back, to give me room to change out the disc. Easy DIY job as Mike stated above.

Good luck :D

How does one know it's time to change
 

the flex disc front or rear??? is this a visual check or something starts acting wrong before you decide to make the change??

the flex disc front or rear??? is this a visual check or something starts acting wrong before you decide to make the change??

You can Visual Inspect them at every oil change

Also listen for the CLUNK when Put into reverse or drive!

The clunk woud be obvious, but
 

what exactly would you be looking for when doing a visual inspection?

You want to look for any play in the driveshaft as you twist it back and forth just aft of the disc. (rear wheels on jacks -- front on ramps)

Also look at the flex disc bolts and the metal sleeves they insert thru and look for some looseness there.