Author Topic: 1971 280 sl Trans issues  (Read 2487 times)

Mark Sean

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1971 280 sl Trans issues
« on: June 24, 2011, 22:56:31 »
fellow members - replaced the bushings in my automatic shifter - noticeable differance in  crispness of the shifting - however did not solve problem,

 Car only has 1st,2nd and reverse - no 3rd or 4th gears.

fluid level appears red and fine - no smell, 77k miles so i would not think trans would fail..

is it worth it to try and change filter and fluid?

What else could be the issue besides a rebuild?-

any recommendations on a fair repair shop in metro detroit who can rebuild what i have as its the original?

thanks in advance for your input.

ja17

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Re: 1971 280 sl Trans issues
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2011, 05:15:23 »
Hello Mark,

The first thing I would do is remove the transmission pan and check it for any debris or broken parts.

I believe the rear pump in the transmission supplies pressure for the higher gears. There was a post here not to long ago. Someone in the group opened up the rear case and fixed their transmission with it still in the car.

Anyone else remember the post?

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback