Craig McCluskey wrote: > On Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:16:56 -0400 Marshall Booth <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: > >> On some cars (201s for sure) the only way the vibration damper is >> available is along with front half of the driveshaft. At least one >> member of this forum has replaced the front driveshaft to replace the >> damper. There are several driveshaft specialist that claim they can >> balance the shaft with or without the damper. Others argue that that is >> not always possible. > > When I was doing my 240D to manual transmission 300D conversion, the > 123.130 driveshaft I acquired in Austin had a vibration damper on the > front flex joint mounting flange. I was severly deteriorated. > > I sent the driveshaft to Driveline Service of Atlanta to be refurbished. > The balanced it without the damper because the part was not available and > because mine was in so bad shape.
That does not seem to work with some driveshafts. Mercedes incorporated the damper to meet their tolerances for noise and vibration. If it could be routinely replaced effectively in a simpler/cheaper way in the field, they would have done it that way (they sell dampers for automatics - just not manual transmission driveshafts). Mercedes also will not allow the transmission "U" joint to be replaced in the field - you must replace the driveshaft. That's because few shops have either the machinery or technical skill to meet the Mercedes specifications. Driveline Service of Atlanta or the driveline shop in the northwest (can't find the name right now - they also advertise in the Star) both claim they can rebalance a shaft without the damper, or after replacing the "U" joint but I've heard from a few of their customers that were dissatisfied (and more than that, that were pleased). I have not used either service. I have replaced several driveshafts. Marshall -- Marshall Booth Ph.D. Ass't Prof. (ret.) Univ of Pittsburgh School of Medicine [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
