new55

hello -- i was going to crawl under my car and replace the pilot bushing connector soon, i dont have a lift so i was wondering if i could back the car up on ramps and keep the fluid toward the front it would eliminate anything from spilling out ? -- is it possible to get to it with the rear lifted instead of the front ? thanks

MSG 55G

I just did my pilot bushing and trans oil today. I didn’t get much (very minimal) oil coming out of pilot, raised my car at front; I drained only the pan. Don’t think you need to worry about losing fluid. But then what do I know? Pm me if you need more info.

tw2

Raise the front. You can easily do it with jackstands. Why not change the fluid? Was the filter changed recently?

MSG 55G

thats what I mean’t, jacked up front. Did tranny oil with filter and new gasket. Replaced pilot and added 3.5 quarts MB fluid. Now I’m looking for a dipstick. Reason I changed the pilot cause I saw some seepage around the TCU. Glad I’m done with that project, just follow up with dipstick check.

Thanks for for the clarification tw2!

tw2

Sorry I was more directing the comments to the original poster. But yes usually good to do everything at the same time.

MSG 55G

No my apology. Long day working on car and thought your post was directed at me. Ha ha! That pilot was tricky to remove and install when it’s your first time. Thanks to my buddy craigc, a member I just met; called him up and he guided me on the how to...happy it’s DUN!

tw2

Yep I have done a couple now, not the most fun you can have in a day. I read a thread in the C55 forum a few years ago, one member needed a new conductor plate after bending a pin installing the bush, ouch. Overtightening the bolt in the middle is the only other disaster to be mindful of. I think it only takes 2.5Nm.

MSG 55G

and getting new pilot back in with new gasket was a PITA, you had to tap it in flushed or you can’t tighten that screw!

Question, so I drained my trans oil in pan only and added 3.5 quarts, is that a safe or right amount to add back after draining?

new55

thanks -- the fluid was supposedly changed 25k miles ago but it would not hurt to do it again and check -- more stuff to do

tw2

They do require quite a bit of force to seat once everything is aligned perfectly. 3.5 is probably about right but you really need the dipstick to know for sure. I ended up using a 20mL syringe to get the level perfect while cold/hot. I used an infrared temp gun on the pan but my icarsoftMBii should be able to give me the temp reading next time. There is a chart on here with temp vs dipstick level as attaining 80deg C for the hot reading is not easy.