Grease Fittings - Look'n for the 17th nipple...

[bpossel]

Hi All,

I spent the day greasing my 280SL.  Had lots of fun.  The next time I do this will be much easier, whereas I cleaned off pounds of old grease as well.  I guess the previous owner, mechanic didnt know how to wipe off the excess after greasing each nipple?

Anyway, I need advise.  I greased 16 nipples total, and I was not able to locate the 17th nipple that is supposed to be somewhere in the middle of the car?  Do I need to remove the transmission plate to get to this last nipple?

Thanks for any advise, help!

Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[A Dalton]

There is one at thew drive shaft slip joint.
 It is access through the opening of the bottom plate .  Turn the shaft and you should see it ...
 Don't forget the felt under the rotor also

[A Dalton]

I think you missed a couple more
Did you do the 2 on the pivot pin on the diff

[supergrobi]

hi, this is a great topic - does anyone have photos and/ or image documentation on where to find the grease spots?

any help appreciated,
jens

-----------------------
"if all else fails, read the f***ing manual"

280SL 1969, steelblue metallic, Euro 4sp shifter, hard/ softtop,
Becker Grand Prix Cassette Full Stereo, rear jump seat, light grey leather, luckily no headrests...

[bpossel]

Here is what I did.  I jacked up the front of the car and removed one of the front wheels.  Did one side at a time.  With the wheel off, I found it much easier to see the nipples.  I found 3 nipples on each of the front wheel king pins.  In addition, I found 4 more nipples on each of the front wheel control arms (2 upper & 2 lower).

Next I greased 2 nipples in the rear of the car (differential).

I did not locate the last nipple in the center of the car, but now I know that I need to turn the shaft and locate the nipple via the transmission cover plate.

Hope this helps.
Bob
 

quote:Originally posted by supergrobi

hi, this is a great topic - does anyone have photos and/ or image documentation on where to find the grease spots?

any help appreciated,
jens

-----------------------
"if all else fails, read the f***ing manual"

280SL 1969, steelblue metallic, Euro 4sp shifter, hard/ softtop,
Becker Grand Prix Cassette Full Stereo, rear jump seat, light grey leather, luckily no headrests...

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[A Dalton]

OK
 You missed the one on the Idler arm..

[jmela]

quote:Originally posted by supergrobi

hi, this is a great topic - does anyone have photos and/ or image documentation on where to find the grease spots?

Here's a lube chart for the 108 series that might be of some use to you guys. Lots of shared designs between the two model lines.

http://www.dbdepot.de/bilder/service/schmierplan_108.jpg

Regards,

JOE

[Cees Klumper]

Hi Joe, nice chart. The same chart is also in my 280 SL owner's manual. I made a photocopy of it, plasticized it for use in the garage. Actually there is a lot of useful information in the owner's manual and I would recommend anyone who does not have one, to get one.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[n/a]

By the way, what grease is specified for these old sl's.  I have a grease gun (I knew it would come in handy one day!) My new car (70 sl)has tons of built up grease, same situation.  I need to remove alot of it before I proceed. I like to use monofilament fishing line.  I wrap it around the part, pull and shear the congealed old grease off, works great!

[Benz Dr.]

Late cars don't have as many grease fittings as do the early 230SL's. There isn't a fiting on the idler arm or on the centre of the drive shaft. The only drive shaft fitting is just behind the flex disc at the front of the drive shaft.

Very early cars have fittings at the centre bearing and on the splined shaft at the rear of the driveshaft. Sometimes U joins are used that have grease fittings on them. I have these on my car but from mid 250SL on the joints are sealed.

There are also 4 grease fittings at the door hinges. You need a pointed type end for your grease gun. I use a small hand held unit that is used for chain saws.

Daniel G Caron

[Naj ✝︎]

Lube points:

http://www.w111.net/html/abschmierplan.html

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL