to change tranny fluid or not!!
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
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2003 Mercedes clk55 AMG
to change tranny fluid or not!!
i have a w208 clk320 with 160k.tranny seems fine but when i accelerate hard theres a slight jerk in gear shifting and specially when i do a quick speed up. my question is if a tranny fluid change would make it smoother?if so should i do a full flush or just add little of new fluid and drain equal amount.
thanks
kushan
thanks
kushan
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From: Nebraska
99CLK320,
considering the mileage I would do a full flush. If you DIY it use Valvoline fluid from Walmart. it has the same specs as the MB fluid and a 1/4 the cost. I have not changed mine but there are many posts on the subject. use the Search funciton.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
I'm coming up on 80K miles and it's on my 'to do' list.
There's an electrical wire bushing that is prone to leak and the dip stick tube sealed, no way to know if unit has a sufficient fill.
My understanding is that MB only recommends replacing the bushing with a new improved one is if the original leaks.
Also understand that MB has backed off on the fluid being 'good for life', to now replacing it at 100K miles.
The MB fluid is very expensive, so will look further into the Valvoline fluid (e.g. part number).
There's an electrical wire bushing that is prone to leak and the dip stick tube sealed, no way to know if unit has a sufficient fill.
My understanding is that MB only recommends replacing the bushing with a new improved one is if the original leaks.
Also understand that MB has backed off on the fluid being 'good for life', to now replacing it at 100K miles.
The MB fluid is very expensive, so will look further into the Valvoline fluid (e.g. part number).
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From: Nebraska
99CLK320,
There is a specific dipstick that can be purchased on ebay to measure the fill level and it comes with a cap to reseal the tube. Again, the subject of the t-fluid and t-distick have been discussed ad nauseum on this forum. I know there is a thread, cuz I have read it, that gives the details on how to disconnect a line that goes into the t-oil cooler, start the car and I think put it in gear(obviously)you would need some help)and the fluid will pump itself out into a container which you measure and add back the exact same amount. you do it again to push the rest of the old fluid out. you can effectively replace all the fluid, including the torque converter which you will not be able to do by dropping the pan. The O-ring issue you mentioned is out there too. You may have to spend some time sifting through a bunch of threads but the Search function is your friend that will save you alot of money if you are a DIYer. Unfortunately as the 208 ages many who have been regulars here have fallen by the way side and could lead you right to the posts that will tell you what you need to know. Do a Search/Advanced and narrow your Search to the 208 forum.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 494
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From: Amber waves of grain.
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet
Here's an old topic of mine that will give you some direction on the trans and torque converter flush, and some primary documentation on the full compatibility of Valvoline Maxlife, Walmart about $3 Qt., as opposed to the dealership larceny of $20 Qt.
Good luck.
Link:
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...oler-line.html
Good luck.
Link:
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...oler-line.html
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2013 FIAT Abarth 500
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
The original recommendation was that the fluid never had to be changed. Mechanically, the design suppoeted this notion (e.g. lack of drain plugs, sealed fill tube etc.).
Have to wonder if the more frequent fluid changes have more to do with keeping an eye on the ubiquitous leaking electrical wiring bushing.
Local dealer said, when they do a flush, they only replaces the bushing with a new improved one, if the original leaks.
Have to wonder if the more frequent fluid changes have more to do with keeping an eye on the ubiquitous leaking electrical wiring bushing.
Local dealer said, when they do a flush, they only replaces the bushing with a new improved one, if the original leaks.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Los Angeles
2013 FIAT Abarth 500
$250 every 2-3 years is cheap insurance vs. having to rebuild the tranny or buy a new TCU if the bushing is leaking.
