1998 e430 Transmission flush question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Western PA
1998 e430
1998 e430 Transmission flush question
Hi everyone. I'm back in the club so to speak, having not had a Benz since my W126 380se. My new-to-me 1998 e430 (90,000 miles) comes as a one-owner, never-seen-a-snowflake example, yet unfortunately, there are many services that are needed before I can feel better.
My plans are: All fluids of every type and each and every filter, along with plugs and shocks. I'll also seek to do some cosmetic work on the headlight lenses and dash cracks, paint polishing etc. -- Please feel free to add any recommendations that are a good idea in your estimation for a car of this age and history.
For my first job (after cabin filters) I'll be seeking to do the transmission fluid change with filter, gasket and electrical connector. I'm buying the evacuator and doing it similar to Diesel Mechanic on YouTube with multiple exchanges of what I expect will be 3 or 4 liters each. I'm buying 15 liters of fluid (001-989-68-03-13-M22) for my supply purchase.
MY QUESTION: If I drain the torque converter , and fill it through the dipstick, will I be able to get the quantity of fluid that comes out of the pan, and the quantity out of the TC all in the same fill, or will I need to run it a bit to get some fluid back into the TC? Is there any trick to this? Any cautions for draining the TC? I understand I need to turn the engine on the front nut using a ratchet and only clockwise. This is a first for me. Little bit nervous.
Thank you for helping with your knowledge!
-- r0gue
My plans are: All fluids of every type and each and every filter, along with plugs and shocks. I'll also seek to do some cosmetic work on the headlight lenses and dash cracks, paint polishing etc. -- Please feel free to add any recommendations that are a good idea in your estimation for a car of this age and history.
For my first job (after cabin filters) I'll be seeking to do the transmission fluid change with filter, gasket and electrical connector. I'm buying the evacuator and doing it similar to Diesel Mechanic on YouTube with multiple exchanges of what I expect will be 3 or 4 liters each. I'm buying 15 liters of fluid (001-989-68-03-13-M22) for my supply purchase.
MY QUESTION: If I drain the torque converter , and fill it through the dipstick, will I be able to get the quantity of fluid that comes out of the pan, and the quantity out of the TC all in the same fill, or will I need to run it a bit to get some fluid back into the TC? Is there any trick to this? Any cautions for draining the TC? I understand I need to turn the engine on the front nut using a ratchet and only clockwise. This is a first for me. Little bit nervous.
Thank you for helping with your knowledge!
-- r0gue
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
perhaps this may help a little
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...uid_Change.htm
i've not had to change my transmission fluid because I bought it used and it still had extended
warranty ... which took care of the a TCU fluid drip so Seattle Mercedes simply did the whole
thing, added harmonic balancer recall service as well as the AT fluid change (at 50k). so I'm
good for a while
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...uid_Change.htm
i've not had to change my transmission fluid because I bought it used and it still had extended
warranty ... which took care of the a TCU fluid drip so Seattle Mercedes simply did the whole
thing, added harmonic balancer recall service as well as the AT fluid change (at 50k). so I'm
good for a while
Last edited by raymond g-; Jul 1, 2018 at 12:34 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Per my experience - wiping the bottom of transmission pan is the most important part of service as that is where lot of sediments sit.
So my recommendation is to drop the pan, open converter plug and leave it overnight for dripping.
I always try to catch the oil and measure it (pouring to 1 gal bottles for recycling) to have starting point on refill, but you can find system capacity in manual. Always start low.
The pilot bushing replacement become advised with ANY transmission service. The $10 expense can save lot of greed down the road.
So my recommendation is to drop the pan, open converter plug and leave it overnight for dripping.
I always try to catch the oil and measure it (pouring to 1 gal bottles for recycling) to have starting point on refill, but you can find system capacity in manual. Always start low.
The pilot bushing replacement become advised with ANY transmission service. The $10 expense can save lot of greed down the road.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Western PA
1998 e430
Adapter Plug With O-Rings - Transmission Cable to Conductor Plate
Part #: 203-540-02-53-MBZ
Is that called a Pilot Bushing too?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Yeah, That is the part and best prices for MB (Made in Czech Republic) part are on amazon.
The part goes by several names, but EPC calls it pilot bushing, what we figured out is lost translation from German.
The part goes by several names, but EPC calls it pilot bushing, what we figured out is lost translation from German.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Some "Mechanics" try to do whole service by striking keyboard, while in real life you have to get your hands dirty.
I worked with ramps most of my life and recall about 6 pilot bushings replaced that way.
Not the most comfortable but doable. Get some planks to drive rear wheels on.
Good part of doing pilot bushing alone on ramps is, that only a cup of ATF will drip.
I worked with ramps most of my life and recall about 6 pilot bushings replaced that way.
Not the most comfortable but doable. Get some planks to drive rear wheels on.
Good part of doing pilot bushing alone on ramps is, that only a cup of ATF will drip.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
