Manual 4sp bearing question ?

[Ben]

I was just about to put in the last bearing on my 230SL's 4 speed manual when I noticed it was different to the one I took out !

I should've checked when the parts arrived. Anyway could someone who has been there before tell me what is correct. On the gearbox input shaft what I took out was a Roller bearing but what I have to put back in is a Ball type bearing, sheilded on one side, which looks correct. Both are the same size and my supplierr tells me it IS correct.

I know all the other bearings are standard Ball bearings in straight forward standard sizes but should this one be different? I dont actually see the need for a Roller bearing here so maybe the new one IS correct. It has a different Merc part number but that's probably due to the metal sheild on one side !

Can anyone advise me here. As soon as possible would be great as I'm hoping to wrap this up tomorrow !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[Bill Rader]

Hi Ben
I just got off the phone with a friend that works at a bearing plant.He says the roller bearing is far superior to a ball bearing.I don't think Mercedes would use a roller when a ball bearing would do.Maybe you should list the part numbers for both and see if someone can tell you which is correct or call a different supplier and ask him.
Bill Rader

[rwmastel]

Ben,
I have the 230SL Spare Parts Book.  Could you describe to me in detail where these bearings go and what part numbers you have?  Could it be that the bearing part was changed from roller to ball?  I'll be happy to help.

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

[ja17]

Hello Ben,
I have never seen a roller bearing in one of these transmissions. I think someone may have upgraded it to a roller bearing.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Ben]

The invoice I have shows the following part number which I dont believe is the Merc # 0625617316, it may be an aftermarket suppliers number !


It is the bearing on the extreme left at the first question mark. If anyone has a Merc number for this I would appreciate it !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

Download Attachment: 230SL Trans.jpg
40.55 KB

[Naj ✝︎]

Ben
The part # I have is A 002 981 0725 (Euro 33.16)and it is described as a ball bearing.
Having the shield will hopefully cure the weeping from the front of the box.
naj

naj
hobel 65 230SL
jalopyno 68 280SL

[Ben]

Thanks Naj !

I did look up the niumber at the Classic Centre and it says "Grooved Ball Bearing" which is exactly what I have recieved !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[n/a]

Ben,
would it be possible that "somebody" already put his hands into your car 'change and used a suitable but different bearing?

Duro

Duro
Italy

[Ben]

Yes Duro I am positive somebody had the transmission open before. Personally I dont see any need for a Roller Bearing here, in fact due to the type of Roller bearing I found it could actually cause some endfloat.

Either way my supplier Socrim has verified the part is correct and I am happy with that as I'm sure you know they know these cars well !

Only question I have now is that on all the parts diagrams I have found, and on my attachment below the bearing appears to be the opposite way around as far as the groove and the clip are concerned  ??

Anybody been here ?

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[ja17]

Hello Ben,
Very observent! That bearing is illustrated backwards. This group even is finding factory mistakes! The grooves must be oriented outwards for correct assembly. Be careful that the flat key and slotted ring on the top shaft remain keyed in place during installation. If they shift they will cause all kinds of problems. I use a hose clamp around the shft to hold the gear cluster tight until installed in the case. When the slotted spanner nut in the output flange is tightened later, it will  lock everything in place.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Ben]

Thanks Joe for your reply/confirmation !

I thought I was going insane !

I had made a failry detailed sketch of the parts as I dismantled but now a month later I started to doubt myself.

Thing is that the new bearing is thicker than the old one and I find I now need to remove the spacer that goes between the bearing and the gear in order to get the small clip onto the outside of the shaft !

Seems odd but I guess if I shim up the rear end cover to spec. things should be okay. It all definitely feels nicer than before !!

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[n/a]

quote:Originally posted by Ben
Thing is that the new bearing is thicker than the old one and I find I now need to remove the spacer that goes between the bearing and the gear in order to get the small clip onto the outside of the shaft !...

That spacer could be the proof that a bit of tinkering has been made in the past!

Duro
Italy

[Ben]

Yeah except the spacer is shown on the parts diagrams !  

Anyway I'll set it up and shim it against both front and rear housing and then check the endfloat is within spec. Once everything turns smoothly and I can select all gears it shouldn't be a problem !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.