w203 flex disk DIY?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
w203 flex disk DIY?
It's about that time to replace the flex disks as a preventative measure ... the dealership flagged the rear as a replacement item a year ago, and although I know these last well past the initial cracking stage, it's been 8+ years and 105K miles so it wouldn't be foolish to swap them out now.
I've looked around for explicit DIY instructions for w203 flex disk replacement, but haven't found any good ones (I have found for other chassis but not w203).
My specific questions/concerns are on how the driveshaft halves slide in and out, and/or if you have to loosen or completely unbolt the mid-shaft bearing carrier in order to shift the shaft enough to get each disk out. And if you have to remove anything else (heat shield, tranny mount) that might be in the way.
If anyone has done both front and rear disks and can write up an explicit step-by-step on this it would be much appreciated. (And of course once I've done it I will add to the thread)
Thanks. John
I've looked around for explicit DIY instructions for w203 flex disk replacement, but haven't found any good ones (I have found for other chassis but not w203).
My specific questions/concerns are on how the driveshaft halves slide in and out, and/or if you have to loosen or completely unbolt the mid-shaft bearing carrier in order to shift the shaft enough to get each disk out. And if you have to remove anything else (heat shield, tranny mount) that might be in the way.
If anyone has done both front and rear disks and can write up an explicit step-by-step on this it would be much appreciated. (And of course once I've done it I will add to the thread)
Thanks. John
Last edited by jkowtko; Aug 27, 2013 at 11:02 AM.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
Do you notice any symptoms of the failing flex disks?
I have a slight jerk when I put it into reverse or drive. Engine mounts are pretty new, so I am thinking it's the disks.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Yes I saw that video ... it's a great video, but not exactly our car.
You saw when he pried away the flex disk after removing the bolts, the driveshaft slipped away quote a bit to make room t remove the disk. Question is, will it do that on both sides or do you have to unbolt the shaft center bearing in order to get one of the sides out?
You saw when he pried away the flex disk after removing the bolts, the driveshaft slipped away quote a bit to make room t remove the disk. Question is, will it do that on both sides or do you have to unbolt the shaft center bearing in order to get one of the sides out?
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 177
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From: Atlanta, GA
2005 C230K SS 6MT
It's about that time to replace the flex disks as a preventative measure ... the dealership flagged the rear as a replacement item a year ago, and although I know these last well past the initial cracking stage, it's been 8+ years and 105K miles so it wouldn't be foolish to swap them out now.
I've looked around for explicit DIY instructions for w203 flex disk replacement, but haven't found any good ones (I have found for other chassis but not w203).
My specific questions/concerns are on how the driveshaft halves slide in and out, and/or if you have to loosen or completely unbolt the mid-shaft bearing carrier in order to shift the shaft enough to get each disk out. And if you have to remove anything else (heat shield, tranny mount) that might be in the way.
If anyone has done both front and rear disks and can write up an explicit step-by-step on this it would be much appreciated. (And of course once I've done it I will add to the thread)
Thanks. John
I've looked around for explicit DIY instructions for w203 flex disk replacement, but haven't found any good ones (I have found for other chassis but not w203).
My specific questions/concerns are on how the driveshaft halves slide in and out, and/or if you have to loosen or completely unbolt the mid-shaft bearing carrier in order to shift the shaft enough to get each disk out. And if you have to remove anything else (heat shield, tranny mount) that might be in the way.
If anyone has done both front and rear disks and can write up an explicit step-by-step on this it would be much appreciated. (And of course once I've done it I will add to the thread)
Thanks. John
I have the same car as you,@jkowtko, so I'm curious myself. At a 130k now, finally replacing rear shocks, front struts/mounts, engine mounts and tie rods. Might as well start scrutinizing front/back flex discs a little more. If they're on their way out, I"d like precise procedure on how to execute. Hell, even now, 7 years later, I'm having a hard time finding a DIY for W203/M271 as well.
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Removing copious amounts of cobwebs from this thread here, but any luck finding an explicit DIY for both front/back flex discs?
I have the same car as you,@jkowtko, so I'm curious myself. At a 130k now, finally replacing rear shocks, front struts/mounts, engine mounts and tie rods. Might as well start scrutinizing front/back flex discs a little more. If they're on their way out, I"d like precise procedure on how to execute. Hell, even now, 7 years later, I'm having a hard time finding a DIY for W203/M271 as well.
I have the same car as you,@jkowtko, so I'm curious myself. At a 130k now, finally replacing rear shocks, front struts/mounts, engine mounts and tie rods. Might as well start scrutinizing front/back flex discs a little more. If they're on their way out, I"d like precise procedure on how to execute. Hell, even now, 7 years later, I'm having a hard time finding a DIY for W203/M271 as well.
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 177
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, GA
2005 C230K SS 6MT
Understandable circumstances. Perhaps I'll throw it out there that IF you do find something, please share via this thread. Stay safe out there...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Thought these discs generally last forever considering our engines don't put too much torque on them compared to say a C55. Has anyone actually had a failure on the forum? I've never seen anything past small surface cracks on mine.
My understanding is that the rear one simply drops out when unbolted, with a bit of prying.
The front requires supporting the transmission with a jack and removing the rear engine mount. Might as well replace the mount while you're down there.
Video shows an E class but I imagine the procedure would be pretty much identical for a W203.
The most difficult part of the job is probably getting access to the bottom of the car.
My understanding is that the rear one simply drops out when unbolted, with a bit of prying.
The front requires supporting the transmission with a jack and removing the rear engine mount. Might as well replace the mount while you're down there.
The most difficult part of the job is probably getting access to the bottom of the car.
Last edited by slammer111; Apr 3, 2020 at 02:20 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Just wanted to give everyone an update. I managed to replace both flex discs. See link for instructions. 
Last edited by slammer111; Jun 25, 2023 at 11:37 PM.
