Replacement prop shaft needed on W202 C250... advice needed.

[chizzel89]

Definately need a new prop shaft on my C250 TD Auto Estate...
I'm tempted to just get a decent used one... anyone got any tips?
I don't have a huge budget tbh (I know... shouldn't have an MB if you can't afford to run it, but there we go), and I suspect a new one would cost the earth and a re-manufactured one quite a bit.
Suggestions appreciated.

Charlie

 

[krimat2005]

what happened then? the best place to go is brakers, etc

 

[chizzel89]

... its had an intermittent vibration since I got it. Happens the most when pulling away (but doesnt happen when pulling off gently) or driving over bumpy/uneven ground. Only had it just under 2 weeks, so today was the first chance I had to really get underneath it.
I can grab the prop either side of the UJ and if I twist it opposing directions there is play and slight clunk. No play in the end of the trans or the diff that I or my mechanic mate could detect.
Breakers it is I think.
I was considering a rebuilt one as a friend of mine got one for his Discovery rebuilt by a place in Bradford called the Propshaft Clinic. They did it for £100.

 

[chris846]

Don't know specifically about your car - but can't you usually get a repair kit for the bushes in the UJ?

 

[krimat2005]

I think you need centre propshaft bearing not the propshaft itself, it's about £30-40 from MB

 

[chizzel89]

You were right... The rubber doughnut around the centre bearing is shot, and the sliding joint has a bit of play in it, which I dont think is an issue. The UJ appears to be mint.
The centre bearing is £22 from Eurocarparts... good price it seems.

 

[krimat2005]

just make sure you put both parts of propshaft correctly, there are marks on them. it's important coz if you don't allign it properly the propshaft will not be balanced and then you get proper vibrations.

 

[chizzel89]

I'll do that. I also am a big fan of marking positions of things with tipex, so it will be doubly safe!

 

[chizzel89]

Looks like the UJ is toasted... no play but it is notchy, meaning it is dry and not long for this world. No way of lubricating that I can see... Been quoted £100 to have a new UJ fitted... or £40 plus VAT plus postage for a used rear section from Dronsfields...

 

[hotrodjon]

When I first bought my W202 I bought an electric window switch assembly from Dronsfields for £30 including 3 months warranty which I thought was pretty good so would definately recommend them.