Auto gearbox on E300 diesel (W124)

[Anthonyb]

i have a clunking noise from the rear axle hen it changes gear. it is more pronounced when it is cold and when not accellerating. When under pressure it appears to change smoothly. Other threads suggest that an oil and filter change may be the answer. The car has done nearly 200k miles and the flexible joint in the prop shaft was changed very recently. Any indications as to cause and cure? Many thanks

Anthony

 

[grober]

There are three joints in the prop shaft. 2 flexible joint discs and a central UJ mounted in rubber in a central support bracket. Sounds as if the prop shaft has not been replaced correctly or one of the flexible disc couplings is also damaged or loosened off. You can examine the central uj assembly by removing the catalytic converter heat shield. Try twisting the shaft and look for excessivew play or missing / slack bolts on all joints. heres a diagram http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.433&CT=F&cat=44R&SID=41&SGR=015&SGN=01

other possibility would be worn/soft differential mounting bushes.

 

[bolide]

If you've done the doughnuts then, yes, it's likely the diff mounts

Bear in mind these cars have flexible engine mounts, gearbox mounts, two doughnuts, diff input pinion & seal and diff mounts and they all wear with age & mileage. I'd replace them in turn till the car is acceptable to you

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk