jkowtko

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

VVF

Not sure which car that is, but I am assuming it's similar on our cars. Apparently those bolts are not reusable (?)

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.

jkowtko

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?

Norsk_Johnson

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.

jkowtko

Sorry, I haven't done this yet ... other things kept coming up (breaking) and the flex disks have never had more than micro cracks in them so they haven't been a priority ... :|

Norsk_Johnson

Hey, thanks for getting back, brother.
Understandable circumstances. Perhaps I'll throw it out there that IF you do find something, please share via this thread. Stay safe out there...

WaveyKat

did my rear flex couple of months ago its a tough job if you don't have the right tools.. but its doable...pita to slide out and new one back in.

slammer111

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.

slammer111

Just wanted to give everyone an update. I managed to replace both flex discs. See link for instructions.