Anybody replace their transmission DIY?
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Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 173
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From: Vegas
02 C32
Anybody replace their transmission DIY?
The transmission in my '02 C32 is toast from glycol contamination. I have access to a lift and a jack and normal tools but I am hesitant to attempt to swap the transmission myself. Has anybody actually done it and could give advice on whether it is comparable to other cars or more difficult due to clearances/special tools/etc? I've changed the transmissions in my '70 Nova, '86 Monte Carlo SS and '88 Vette but this little C-class gives me pause.
Thanx!
Thanx!
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Wow yeah it would give me pause, too. Well.. opening the hood gives ME pause, but I digress.
I've never read anyone replace this DIY on this forum but I am sure it could be done with enough resources.
I've never read anyone replace this DIY on this forum but I am sure it could be done with enough resources.
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 146
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From: IL
07 E63, 04 discovery
Don't let this job scare you. As far as benz transmissions go this is one of the easiest to remove. You can get the top four trans bolts from the top, might require removing the airbox assembly, then unbolt your dipstick from the valve cover and everything else is from the bottom and very simple. only part that hangs up at all is the flex disc for the driveshaft but its really not a problem if you push it up over the output shaft flange. I can give you more help and instructions if needed.
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From: Queens, Ny
Nike Turbo Shox
Don't hessistate to rip your car apart because you only learn more about it. See if Karo can pull some files to remove the tranny, because im sure it just drops down pretty easily.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Replacing the tranny physically is easy. You would the need a couple of minutes on the Star DAS to adapt it & you are ready to go. Someone did this last year on his wifes car but I can't find the thread.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 173
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From: Vegas
02 C32
Don't let this job scare you. As far as benz transmissions go this is one of the easiest to remove. You can get the top four trans bolts from the top, might require removing the airbox assembly, then unbolt your dipstick from the valve cover and everything else is from the bottom and very simple. only part that hangs up at all is the flex disc for the driveshaft but its really not a problem if you push it up over the output shaft flange. I can give you more help and instructions if needed.
Thanks so much for the help guys. I'd also like to hear any recommendations on where to source a new or rebuilt tranny and new or rebuilt torque converter. I have found a couple places online but am always looking for a better price or a better product.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: North San diego
C320 2002
If I tackle it I will certainly document the process; hopefully making ownership of these things slightly less daunting and expensive.
I can certainly remove the airbox assembly, I just didn't want to have to remove the supercharger or intake manifold. I am VERY glad to hear it is a straightforward swap, but I would certainly welcome any further instructions or help or tips you care to give. Flex disc for the driveshaft - Chevy's don't have such a thing; can you enlighten me?
I would be doing the swap at the shop on my Air Force base, twenty miles from my dealer and his STAR machine. Would I be able to drive the car to the dealer after the swap to have the computer adaptations performed or would I have to tow it there to avoid damage to the new transmission?
Thanks so much for the help guys. I'd also like to hear any recommendations on where to source a new or rebuilt tranny and new or rebuilt torque converter. I have found a couple places online but am always looking for a better price or a better product.
I can certainly remove the airbox assembly, I just didn't want to have to remove the supercharger or intake manifold. I am VERY glad to hear it is a straightforward swap, but I would certainly welcome any further instructions or help or tips you care to give. Flex disc for the driveshaft - Chevy's don't have such a thing; can you enlighten me?
I would be doing the swap at the shop on my Air Force base, twenty miles from my dealer and his STAR machine. Would I be able to drive the car to the dealer after the swap to have the computer adaptations performed or would I have to tow it there to avoid damage to the new transmission?
Thanks so much for the help guys. I'd also like to hear any recommendations on where to source a new or rebuilt tranny and new or rebuilt torque converter. I have found a couple places online but am always looking for a better price or a better product.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 173
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From: Vegas
02 C32
The shop is nice and only costs a couple bucks per hour to use one of the lifts and all their tools. On the other hand, I am sitting in Qatar right now halfway through a six-month deployment away from my wife and kids and real life. You take the good with the bad. PM me if you want my perspective (E7 with 19 years); it can be a great opportunity or one you regret.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
You should be able to drive it there. Won't do damage but will in all probability be in limp mode.
A flex disc just takes the place of a UJ & behaves more like a CV joint but through very slight angles.
A flex disc just takes the place of a UJ & behaves more like a CV joint but through very slight angles.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Call AAA and have it towed, AAA Plus you can go 100 miles.
If it's not working properly and needs to be towed to a shop,
they'll be right there.
EDIT: Oh wait, you're in Qatar.
Never mind.
If it's not working properly and needs to be towed to a shop,
they'll be right there.
EDIT: Oh wait, you're in Qatar.
Never mind.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 173
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From: Vegas
02 C32
I am not a member of AAA, but thanx for the suggestion. I am in Qatar but my car is sitting in Washington. I will be performing the swap upon my return so I have a couple months to research the procedure and order the parts. Fortunately I get a couple weeks off upon my return so I can get the job done; unfortunately I was planning on relaxing and getting reacquainted with my wife and now I will be stuck wrenching on the car for a couple days.
