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New wet clutch and Weistec gearbox oil pan installed
So after years of driving with shudder and jerky acceleration, under low rpm and high torque, I finally got a new wet clutch installed. While I was in there, I decided to upgrade to a Weistec gearbox oil pan.
Hoping that the increased oil capacity will help to keep the temps in check.
I found a tranny shop which specializes mainly in AMG vehicles. My car's a 2014 model which had the 1st version clutch. Installed is now version 3.
While the tranny was out, I figured we also install a crank seal and new motor mounts. Both were still in great shape at app. 66k miles, so I returned them. We did replace the heater hose connection fitting which passes through the firewall.
The tranny was out after exactly 1.5h. Both downpipes had to be removed, front driveshaft disconnected and a bunch of connectors and mounting brackets. New clutch and oil pan went in w/o any issues. Front diff fluid also got changed.
The Weistec oil pan got installed and I immediately noticed that there was no provision made to secure the clips of the wiring harness on the passenger side. I contacted Weistec and their suggestion was to ziptie the harness to the tranny oil cooler line.
That's not how I work, so I fab'd my own stainless bracket.
The whole job was done in roughly 6 h, including software adaptation etc. Leaving the shop, I was totally surprised of how well this tranny now shifts. Very smooth and solid shift points in all settings. No more hesitation or shudder in low rpm driving.
Sad to point out that I never even did a race start or track day events, just long haul driving at high speeds. Always been nice to the clutch. Maybe I should run it harder and put away wet more often?
Here's some pics.
Basically, the mechanic drove the car for app. 2 miles and immediately knew it was the wet clutch. I arrived at their shop with hot tranny and engine so the symptoms were very obvious.
Apparently, all 7 and 9 speedshift MB trannies suffer from the same issues as where the internal seal starts to crack or loose tension. At low speed, the hydraulic pressure builds up to engage the clutch. As soon as the clutch is engaged, the seals can't hold the pressure and starts to slightly disengage. Pressure rises again and reengages the clutch. The whole circle continues until app. 2k rpm. It's all solid beyond that.
Gear oil was changed every 20k miles. All service was done at the MB dealer.
I can only imagine that heat and fast speeds may have shortened the life span of the clutch. I only drive 6k miles a year but those are mostly high speed German Autobahn conditions. I don't have the 155mph limiter anymore so who knows if that could contribute.
I'm surprised I haven't read more about this problem in this forum. I'm not even tuned.
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