Drivedhaft flex disks (and ATF)
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 671
Likes: 288
From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
Driveshaft flex disks (and ATF)
Hmmm... can’t seem to correct the thread title.
The car in question is an '07 S600 that just ticked over 50,000 miles a couple of weeks ago. Before we launch on an upcoming week-long road trip that will probably put between 2K and 3K miles on the car, I want to make sure we make it all the way out and back without issues. I have a friend with a shop and I'm going to see if I can borrow one of his lifts to get under the car for a day.
First -- at 50K miles, should I be concerned at all about the driveshaft flex disks? The recommended interval for inspection is 60K miles, I believe, and we're not there yet -- but the car is 13 years old. I'm going to take a look tonight or tomorrow and make sure they're not showing any obvious signs of trouble, but I don't know if this one of those "problem areas" or not. The first time I looked at them, back in May when I bought it, they looked OK -- but it wasn't a thorough inspection, just a quick look while the car was up on a lift.
Second -- I'm going to do a transmission service because I'm doubting that it's been properly done despite Mercedes service records indicating that it has. Is Pentosin ATF 134 the way to go for this, or is there a significant advantage to the more expensive Liqui Moly Top Tec 1600? Or is there some other, better choice?
The car in question is an '07 S600 that just ticked over 50,000 miles a couple of weeks ago. Before we launch on an upcoming week-long road trip that will probably put between 2K and 3K miles on the car, I want to make sure we make it all the way out and back without issues. I have a friend with a shop and I'm going to see if I can borrow one of his lifts to get under the car for a day.
First -- at 50K miles, should I be concerned at all about the driveshaft flex disks? The recommended interval for inspection is 60K miles, I believe, and we're not there yet -- but the car is 13 years old. I'm going to take a look tonight or tomorrow and make sure they're not showing any obvious signs of trouble, but I don't know if this one of those "problem areas" or not. The first time I looked at them, back in May when I bought it, they looked OK -- but it wasn't a thorough inspection, just a quick look while the car was up on a lift.
Second -- I'm going to do a transmission service because I'm doubting that it's been properly done despite Mercedes service records indicating that it has. Is Pentosin ATF 134 the way to go for this, or is there a significant advantage to the more expensive Liqui Moly Top Tec 1600? Or is there some other, better choice?
Last edited by DaleB; Sep 16, 2019 at 12:05 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 713
Likes: 147
From: Aridzona
'15 S550, '10 E350 P1/P2, '02 ML320
The flex discs are good well past 50k, depending on use. However given the age of the car if they have not been replaced yet I would be surprised if they weren't dry rotted, at least a little.
As for ATF, I'm using Fuchs ATF 4134 (on the approved list) in both my S550 and my wifes E350. All good with this fluid and can be had via online retailers for ~$37/4 liters.
As for ATF, I'm using Fuchs ATF 4134 (on the approved list) in both my S550 and my wifes E350. All good with this fluid and can be had via online retailers for ~$37/4 liters.
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 920
Likes: 46
From: Worcestershire UK
W124 260E
The flexi disc can split in places around the holes that the bolts go through . And as for the autobox i would leave well alone just check it for the right level .Thats just my fourpenneworth ..
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 671
Likes: 288
From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
Not an option. I used DAS to pull codes last night, just to see if it had logged anything during a couple of incidents of rough shifting when cold. Doesn't happen all the time, but once in a while when it's cold the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts will be noticeably rough for the first couple minutes of driving. Looks like it needs a conductor plate, so it's going up on the lift and getting the pan dropped. Based on the reading I did last night, I'll just go with the Pentosin.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 671
Likes: 288
From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
Well, today the car spent a few hours up on the lift. Both flex disks look fine. There’s no sign of wear, cracking, or stress. Replacing the conductor plate and connector was pretty straightforward. Cleared the DYC with DAS, cleared the adaptations and it’s driving fine. Monday I’ll get it warmed up and re-check the fluid level. I was happy to find no sludge in the pan, and no metal on the magnet other than a film of black dust.
I noted a few items for later attention, but nothing that needs to be addressed now. All in all a pretty good day.
I noted a few items for later attention, but nothing that needs to be addressed now. All in all a pretty good day.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 671
Likes: 288
From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
I was happy to find that place. It will be WELL worth their hourly fee to use the lift for brake jobs and tire swaps, rotation, etc. on all of our vehicles. Looking forward to taking The Beast on our upcoming road trip. That will, I think, be the real test of its viability as a long term car.
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