Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: Mike K on November 06, 2016, 22:29:20

Title: Motor & Transmission Mount Replacement- will this affect Drive Shaft Alignment?
Post by: Mike K on November 06, 2016, 22:29:20

This winter I plan to replace the 2 motor mounts and the transmission mount on my 280SL. While I'm at it, I'll also replace the sub frame mounts. Having done research and read up on the topic on this Forum, I feel confident enough to tackle this job.

In shopping around for the parts on the SLS website I came across the diagram below, my German's not good enough to understand this fully. Does it relate to the spacers which come with the kit and the effect they have on the drive shaft alignment?

What do I need to be aware of in replacing the motor and transmission mounts in terms of engine alignment and is there a danger of throwing the drive shaft out of sync?

All advice and input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and best,
Mike

Title: Re: Motor & Transmission Mount Replacement- will this affect Drive Shaft Alignment?
Post by: TheEngineer on November 06, 2016, 23:39:00

It says: Vorsicht! Speed kills.
You have to check the alignment of engine, mounting block of the driveshaft and differential. I believe it cannot be done unless the car rests on all wheels - so you need a pit or a lift that supports the vehicle on it's tyres. It cautions that, if the engine is too high, it will damage the hood. (the engine support arms for the 280SE sedan position the engine 1/2 inch higher).

Title: Re: Motor & Transmission Mount Replacement- will this affect Drive Shaft Alignment?
Post by: Bonnyboy on November 07, 2016, 14:41:13

I did the replacements as you note last year.  The forum has all the instructions.  I printed them out and followed them looking at the various parts and gathering the various tools necessary.  I have a mid-rise hoist and that helped get under the car.   It was a very simple job with the right tools.   

Make sure you have the car placed far enough from a wall that you can get a good sized bar in there to lift the various parts.   I parked too close to a wall and could only use a small prybar (2') and even with my 250lbs kneeling on it there was just not enough leverage so I ended up having to borrow my daughter to help push.   The other side I used a 6' prybar and it was a simple operation.   

Title: Re: Motor & Transmission Mount Replacement- will this affect Drive Shaft Alignment?
Post by: Mike K on November 07, 2016, 19:06:52

TheEngineer & Ian thank you both for your feedback and input, very much appreciated.
Ian- good point about parking too close to a wall...

I've ordered the parts/mounts and have 3 or 4 free days towards the end of November when I plan to tackle these tasks.

Thanks and best,

Mike

Title: Re: Motor & Transmission Mount Replacement- will this affect Drive Shaft Alignment?
Post by: stickandrudderman on November 07, 2016, 20:34:29

Be advised that the sub-frame mounts can be seized in place and can require some effort to remove, possibly the use of heat.
Also, I have started only fitting genuine Mercedes engine mounts as I've had extremely premature failures of cheaper ones.

Title: Re: Motor & Transmission Mount Replacement- will this affect Drive Shaft Alignment?
Post by: Mike K on November 08, 2016, 08:01:51

Thanks Stick. I had already ordered the Febi/Bilstein sub frame mounts. I think I'll have to re order and get the MB mounts.

Best,
Mike

Title: Re: Motor & Transmission Mount Replacement- will this affect Drive Shaft Alignment?
Post by: Mike K on November 08, 2016, 11:19:05

Picking upon Stick's comment regarding premature failures on non MB parts, I did some research and came across this thread, quite scary!

Wrong size bolts included in a MEYLE Sub frame bushing kit:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1833586-sub-frame-bush-kit-problems-meyle.html (http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1833586-sub-frame-bush-kit-problems-meyle.html)