Driveshaft Disaster??
 

While pulling the engine on my "78" 240D I accidently suppurated the driveshaft *%%^#&, didn't have it pulled apart all the way at the flex coupling, I guess. What Now...Gurrrr.. I am thinking that I must find a driveshaft shop and have it balanced ? If that is the case could anyone recommend a shop in the PNW . I was going to replace the center bearing, maybe I should have them do that if they rebalance it. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, I posted this over on diesel discussion also.

Probably wont relate to your car, but..

I did the same thing when i pulled my engine, and the driveshaft had a balance mark on both halves, just little nubs of metal, so I just had to line both up when i slid it back together. mines an 88 190e.

Yes, I used to mark the driveshaft pieces before taking it out in case this happened. Only recently I learned about the marks. There will be one raised mark on one half and two raised marks on the other half.

Align the marks, relax and be happy.

Good luck,

Larry

"Align the marks, relax and be happy."

Oh, I will look again but what I have been told is MB didn't mark the shafts before, middle "80"s. I don't think mine is marked I had a couple of pairs of "young" eyes looking today (no not my new hot, shop assistants), nobody can find ANY marks :( I replaced the bearing and carrier this afternoon.
Am holding off on putting together the "propeller shaft".

What a dumb thing to do, got in a hurry and didn't make sure the flex coupling was pryed completely away from the tranny and pulled the shaft apart while pulling the engine fwd and out. Maybe I should post a warning, like your "run away 300", story. I keep my bolt cutters hanging near by now.

Steve

I think the driveshaft markings-if you go to the W123 cd,

Looks to me like it is the turbo models (post 81) which this applies. So, I can easily see the 240 d driveshaft not being marked like the 60's and 70's vintages. No reason to modify the part on a body they were working on the replacement for!


Michael

This should never happen. When you put it back together be sure you tighten the collar jam nut after the shaft is installed and sized right. It will vibrate when loose also. When properly tight it won't come apart like that.

Thanks for all the input. What it seems to boil down to is, I could put it togather and hope for the best or I could pay a shop to rebalance it. Which, I think is the only choice as my wife likes driving these old cars so i dont want to push it. I am gona call around tomorrow and try and find a shop up here in the PNW.

"This should never happen"

Thats for sure. I never gave it a thought, or checked the lock nut but you can bet from now on I will when pulling an engine. If this little screw up only cost +- $100.00, I,ll be happy. I did learn how to replace the bearing, thats a good thing:D

Steve