Transmission / Suspension Specific Aid

Fluid level for '80 300TD

I have a newly acquired 1980 300TD and the first thing I wanted to do was change the transmission fluid. The stick was reading 2 or 2 ½ inches above full at temperature before I did anything, but outside of some issues with the 3rd to 2nd gear kick down, it was well behaved. The gasket was hard and the fluid was very old which is not good news, but the car has suffered fair neglect and I was not too dismayed. The issue of immediate concern was that I retrieved only 6 qts. of fluid from the system, including torque converter. At present I have replaced the fluid to the level I found it at, but am not driving the car. I might guess that the dipstick is either a mismatched junkyard replacement, or maybe the dip tube has been modified or maybe the AT fluid was overfilled.

Chassis Model Number

Forums

79 300d transmission issues - flaring/misengagement

Just want to verify these issues are covered in the new guide for pre-80 transmissions...just had the transmission throttle linkages adjusted and added the recommended LucasOil. After a few hundred miles, the transmission now flares between 2-3rd and redlines for many seconds before a shift from 1st to second (but only sometimes). It also seems to engage two gears simultaneously sometimes for a short time.

Chassis Model Number

Forums

71 220D shifting solutions?

1. Tranny shifts immediately from 1 to 2 in nearly all situations short of full throttle.
2. When driven with lever left in 4th position, shifts well from 2 to 3, but shifts too soon to 4th.
3. When driven with lever left in 3rd position, shifts hard from 2 to 3.
4. I've adapted by starting out with lever in 4th position (to ease 2-3 shift), then moving lever to 3rd position and keeping it there until I'm ready for 4th.
5. This has the Bowden cable. Indicator window isn't accurate -- is off by 1 gear.

Chassis Model Number

Forums

85 300TD Rear Wheel Bearing Race Problem

Have run into a real problem on my 85 300TD...apparently my right rear wheel bearing seized at some point, shattered the race (well, two pieces) and the new race won't press in (just slides in by hand...no interference fit.) Do I need a whole new wishbone back there? Kinda looks like it....can these even be had?

Given the rust issues...I'm wondering if it's time to jury-rig it by JB-Welding the race into the carrier to get the race in and relegate the car to short trips and focus on my W124.

Thanks.

Chassis Model Number

Forums

1987 300SDL abs light on

My abs warning light came on last night after a hard stop in the rain-this happened shortly after I ran over a large tree branch which broke up and struck the underside of my vehicle in various places-the brakes still feel as if operating normally and stop the vehicle just as before the light came on- any suggestions as to where to start? I have ordered Kent's brake manual but it will be several days before I get it-Thanks!

Chassis Model Number

Forums

Best transmission/model for towing

I have been using my 1980 300sd to pull a small enclosed trailer (w/ nosecone, 1000 - 1500 lbs). I have had no problems with the transmission whatsoever doing this for the past 80 thousand (163,000-241,000) miles running on veg, but this vehicle was just totaled by an suv so I am looking for a replacement.
I would like to have a wagon for the extra space but I'm worried about putting too much strain on the transmission. I'm also wondering if the SLS will be a good or bad thing. I was hoping it would be good as the 300sd tended to sag a little with 100lbs on the hitch.

Forums

1985 300td Ball Joint Replacement

diy ball joint replacement - 1985 300td Sedan

Currently squeeks like an old couch! Just embracing the diy arena after the local mechanic quoted 3.1 hours labor for each joint (it it true???) Have ordered replacement ball joints. Any helpful hints or how to is appreciated - have searched the site. Your input is valuable - is this doable for the novice, novice, first timer?

Chassis Model Number

Forums

Pages