Author Topic: Drive Shaft Flex Disc  (Read 3046 times)

StevenF

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, NY, Merrick
  • Posts: 410
Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« on: May 01, 2020, 15:18:29 »
I have to replace my disc---My current disc is 6 sided but I only see round ones available. 

Will the round one work without issue?

I also see that Febi Bilstein are higher priced than MB---is Febi better?
https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/W113/MBZ_W113_SUSAXL_pg2.htm
1971 280sl
Red Metallic
Bamboo MB Tex

Iconic

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, IL, Highland Park
  • Posts: 1203
  • ex-Membership Administrator
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2020, 16:02:26 »
I've used the round one with no issues.
As far as Febi vs. MB, I can't answer that. Maybe even Febi made them for MB originally???
I take the low work approach if I am installing parts, and I buy from the MB Classic center.
Then I have high confidence that the part meets the original specifications .... and therefore will create less issues for me in the short and long run.
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

ja17

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, Blacklick
  • Posts: 7414
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2020, 16:11:21 »
The later round flex discs are a huge improvement over the first design. The first design had to be installed and indexed a certain way or they would not last. The later design are much more robust and can be installed without any special orientation. I am guessing that the heavy duty flex disc originally used on Mercedes 6.3 liter sedans (which fits W113 cars), is now the standard part for all. Good move for sure, they should last forever on our w113s.
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

StevenF

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, NY, Merrick
  • Posts: 410
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2020, 16:25:48 »
Thank you Mark and Joe!
Do you guys think I need new bolts as well or can just buy the disc?
1971 280sl
Red Metallic
Bamboo MB Tex

Iconic

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, IL, Highland Park
  • Posts: 1203
  • ex-Membership Administrator
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #4 on: May 01, 2020, 16:32:11 »
I bought new hardware, but that is just how I do it since I am saving on labor (I do the work), I buy the highest quality parts I can (unless there is an originality issue, then I might make other decisions).
Joe can certainly answer better than me whether or not new hardware is needed.
Have fun !!
Mark
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

Benz Dr.

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7220
  • Benz Dr.
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2020, 16:48:38 »
I would look at your rear trans mount while you have it apart. If it's compromised odds are it aided in your flex disc failure.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

ja17

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, Blacklick
  • Posts: 7414
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2020, 16:58:10 »
New hardware always makes the job easier. Also the lock nuts begin loosing their locking properties after repeated usage. Often times the whole kit, includes the new hardware and the two rubber seals to do the complete flex disc job.
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

Pawel66

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Poland, Mazowieckie, Konstancin-Jeziorna
  • Posts: 5494
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #7 on: May 01, 2020, 20:25:29 »
For what its worth, MB are selling the whole kit, screws, washers, nuts also the front seal. PN    
A 108 410 01 15. $ 200 or so.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

mdsalemi

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NC, Davidson
  • Posts: 7058
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2020, 21:16:19 »
TORQUE! TORQUE! TORQUE!

Find the torque specs and ensure you torque down those fasteners with the new flex disk. Don't ask me why I know that a mechanic once did NOT do this on my car... >:(
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

WRe

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Germany, Hessen, Seeheim-Jugenheim
  • Posts: 1453
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #9 on: May 02, 2020, 06:51:00 »
Hi,
kit A1084100115 and single disc A1804110615 (A1894110015 replaced)  seem to be NLA. I only found Febi disc for ~38€.
...WRe

FresnoBob

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, CA, Fresno
  • Posts: 208
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2020, 16:55:13 »
I just replaced mine too and the round one fit perfectly. 
Bob Comstock
1966 230 SL Euro Auto
2017 AMG C43 Cabriolet

StevenF

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, NY, Merrick
  • Posts: 410
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2020, 17:05:50 »
yes--mine did as well...round...
1971 280sl
Red Metallic
Bamboo MB Tex

FresnoBob

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, CA, Fresno
  • Posts: 208
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #12 on: May 18, 2020, 18:23:35 »
By the way, while you are down there, I suggest replacing the shift rod bushings.  They take some creativity with a vice and the correct size socket to press the new ones cleanly into the rods, but the shifting is much more positive with the new bushings. 
Bob Comstock
1966 230 SL Euro Auto
2017 AMG C43 Cabriolet

StevenF

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, NY, Merrick
  • Posts: 410
Re: Drive Shaft Flex Disc
« Reply #13 on: May 18, 2020, 18:57:31 »
I did them too not too long ago--solid advice!
1971 280sl
Red Metallic
Bamboo MB Tex