VII

I was trying to inspect my front flex disc but there is something in front of it that is clearly cracked.
Anyone know what this would be?
How critical is this? Should I stop the car until I get it fixed?

isstay

I think that this is your flex disk one side is attached to the trany or differential and other to the drive shaft (disk is between drive shaft and either part).

vettdvr

You are correct that is the rubber part of the flex disc and yours needs replacing. You are probably hearing a low sound clunk shifting from Forward to Reverse.

VII

Good, I was thinking the flex was just the one behind and it would be two separate parts. Thanks!

VII

Are you sure they are not two individual parts?
Trying to buy the replacement the pictures show a single disc

Quadcammer

No no.

The flex disk is sandwiched between the driveshaft and the differential or transmission.

The bolts, however, do not go through from the driveshaft to the diff/tranny. The driveshaft bolts to the flex disk, and then, with separate bolts, the disk bolts to the diff/tranny.

isstay

This is the rear, front is different.

VII

Yes, so the first disc seen in the picture with the cracks is part of the driveshaft?
If I order a new flex disc I will only get the second disc that is behind?

isstay

No, it is not part of the driveshaft; it only has different way of attaching to it and to the transmission. You can order the front one or both. They do have same part number A 215 410 00 15.

VII

There was actually one part number for rear and a different for front in the EPC for my VIN. Also ordered the rubber boot bearing though I'm not sure how I will change it.
Hope this cures a whining/grinding/growling sound when I brake with the engine...

Parts:
A 211 410 01 81 􀁢 􀁢 RUBBER BOOT BEARING
A 211 410 04 15 􀁢 􀁢 FLEXIBLE JOINT DISC (PARTS KIT), REAR
A 211 410 02 15 􀁢 􀁢 FLEXIBLE JOINT DISC (PARTS KIT), FRONT

isstay

Easy - drop the whole propeler shaft.

VII

Mandatory removal of the exhaust?

isstay

I think you should be able to separate both half at the support and pull each one down.

isstay

On second look - YES, you have to remove the whole exhaust starting from the connection between exhaust manifold and cat convertors. I am attaching some info.

VII

Great Thnx!
I'll update on the coming weeks about how It went.

isstay

Pay close attention to step 4 in order to avoid future vibrations in drive-train.

vettdvr

It would have been great if designed as a unbolt and bolt in item. I worked on industrial equipment for 35 years and we used similar couplings but we made them quick change. Keep it simple. This would be a great opportunity for MB to reapply the KISS on a common change item.

VII

My new flex discs arrived and they are just the part behind what I am now thinking is a vibration damper as pictured above.
I can't find the damper in EPC, all I found was threads on W201 saying it is better to just remove the hole damper as it may separate and cause damage while contributing nothing to ride quality.
Any thoughts?

VII

Bump...

Plutoe

If you found the flex disc, just go back to that picture and all will be clear.

Based on you first post the damper is cracked and badly damaged, the flex disc look fine!!

VII

Yes it looks that way, I'm leaning towards just removing the damper. There is nothing about it in EPC and I haven't found anyone with a w211 mention it. I'm just concerned on what damaged it in the first place and if I'm now going to have more vibrations.The other alternative I have now is just leaving it in but I read on other chassis forums that will result in serious damage if separation occurs.

Plutoe

What is the VIN for your car??

VII

WDBUF56J16A813913

Plutoe

The vibration damper is included in number 90, the kit and you can't just buy the damper, therefore you need 211 410 02 15 and 211 410 04 15.

If you have not done this before make sure you read VERY CAREFULLY MB AR4110P0050T the removal and install of propeller shaft, there are some little tricks that if not followed--------you will be back------- how come bla bla

VII

I must have made a mistake when ordering as that is what I got from epc too.
Thanks for the advice, I definitely don't want to come back here and increase my rep as a noob.