OT, Vanessa needs a 2nd opinion
May 12, 2006 - 10:56am
Not a second opinion really, it's obvious what her problem is.
Her driveline carrier assembly is KAPUT.
I got an estimate today on a driveline rebuild, reputable shop, parts and labor are $730.00.
So tell me skinflint, how much should I be looking to pay, assuming my best buddy is NOT a mechanic and I will not be sleeping with ANYBODY to get this done?
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 12, 2006 - 11:08am
#2
I'm getting a hanger bearing installed for about $250.00 in NJ
-------------------------
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May 12, 2006 - 11:19am
#3
No, no, not transmission. Driveline equates to drivetrain, I believe (?).
Carrier assembly
Flex discs
Flex joint
Flex joint bushing, etc. etc.
The contraption that holds her drivetrain (?) up so it doesn't drag the ground and your transmission can move like it's supposed to.
That whole business.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 12, 2006 - 11:40am
#4
the hanger and bearing should not cost that much. I'm only having it done to one of my cars as we speak. the parts are cheep and it's not that dificult of a job espicaly if it's on a lift. I think I would shop around a bit.
just because it's a Mercedes dosent meen that it's hard to work on, or the parts are expencive,
go here
http://replacement.autopartswarehouse.com/parts/autopartswarehouse/parts...
the parts are around 100 bucks so your paying 650.00 in labor, for a 2.5 to 3 hour job.
you should shop around.
-------------------------
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May 12, 2006 - 12:05pm
#5
I shopped for parts. A used carrier assembly with 124K miles on it is $385.00. He was willing to put that in for me for $220 labor. Tiotal around $600.
Or he could do a total rebuild of the entire driveline system for $725. That includes all the parts at each end *and* the stuff in the middle.
That's where I am.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 12, 2006 - 5:49pm
#6
swimgym
i had this done on my wagon last year, it needed the carrier bearing holder replaced, so i decided to do it right and get the flex disks done too, 120.00 in parts i brought my own all brand new 90.00 in labor they had the car half a day all they do is driveshafts all day long for a living,they have been in business over 20 years, i know the owner roger, they checked the balance on the driveshafts too when they were out, don't give them no 700.00 bring venessa on a fla. veggie vacation to CLEARWATER BEACH and i can get the guy to fix her cheap I HATE TO SEE YOU GET RIPPED OFF AGAIN, AFTER seeing you get ripped off on the trannie... I CAN GET YOU ENOUGH FILTERED VEGGIE TO GET YOU BACK TO ATLANTA IF YOU CAN GET DOWN HERE
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May 12, 2006 - 6:20pm
#7
Thank you OT,
I tried to tell her but got tired ot trying when it looked she made up her mind that it was a good deal.
-------------------------
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May 13, 2006 - 1:18am
#8
I haven't made up my mind!
Her U Joint needs replacing. What about that? Also called the flex joint?
I *know* the parts aren't much.
I LIKE CLEARWATER BEACH, WAS ON VACATION THERE IN SEPT. OF 2000. STILL HAVE THE CARD FROM THE HOTEL. I may have to come to Florida for this, I'm getting to the end of my rope.
Tell me about the U JOINT.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 13, 2006 - 2:31am
#9
Hi Karen-
They put that joint in the line for a reason, but I can't figure out what the reason is. I had mine changed where the two shafts were replaced with a single shaft, and did away with that joint altogether.
Worked perfectly.
I think I paid about $80 for the shaft work, and that was in 1996, so what, about $150 in today's dollars?
My .02
You might need to sleep with Lisa for that info, but I'll give it out for free!! lol
Jeff
-------------------------
98 Jetta TDI, FRYBRID kit, 12/05.
======> 21,000 miles in first six greasy months-
91 F-250, 7.3, 5-Spd. Blending in the rear tank while working on a homebrewed conversion
97 Buick Park Avenue -- GONE!! There may be a Mercedes in Lisa's future!
86 Nissan Pathfinder -- MBZ 300 turbo motor in the works
86 Mustang SVO (Jeff's)
87 Mustang Convertible (Lisa's) with turbo motor from an 87 Turbo Coupe
And a SHAMELESS plug for my own business- www.prepaidlegal.com/go/lisaleon
Those who HAVE a Pre-Paid Legal membership are MUCH more likely to get good legal advice than those who DON'T.
May 13, 2006 - 6:31am
#10
Thanks Jeff. The way it was explained to me, the joint has a certain range of motion so that the front end is stable but the rear end has some flexibility. With one single shaft, I'm not sure how this translates but obviously your car functioned just fine.
My biggest problem now is that my DAD wants me to take the car to show off at a family reunion the weekend of June 10th. So on top of everything else I have a DEADLINE too!
I'm gonna look around for "drive shaft shops" here and see if I can find someone who will work with me. I did good with her brakes, maybe I'll get lucky again.
OT, I'M NOT KIDDING ABOUT FLORIDA. I'M WILLING TO GO DOWN THERE FOR THIS.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 13, 2006 - 8:00am
#11
Read and learn. This is MB DRIVELINE 101
Driveshaft = driveline
My UJOINT is kaput, which is why the bearing is kaput. The UJoint is a non-greaseable part (a closed system). The needle bearings inside it get old and dry and brittle, so you have to rebuild. The rebuild is not that pricey, but you gotta take your bad one out and put the rebuild in, and that's additional. So are flex disks.
I've done some shopping around: One local shop, one internet rebuild place in Texas. Prices are the SAME.
Driveshaft rebuild only: $350, not including flex disks
Rebuild includes new driveline bearing and support.
Price does NOT include installation.
Local place would want $200 to take my drive shaft out and put rebuilt one back in.
So I'm still looking at $550 for rebuild. If I want new flex disks too, that's another $50 to $80 each. So it's still $650 to $700 for a drive shaft rebuild and new flex discs with these other shops.
Shop yesterday quoted $730, which included new flex disks along with new carrier bearing assembly.
BASIC BLONDE TRANSLATION OF THE FACTS:
It's a pole. And a rubber donut in a cradle.
These people want to charge me $350 for a POLE AND A RUBBER DONUT IN A CRADLE...
... AND ANOTHER $200 TO UNSCREW THREE BOLTS AND THEN SCREW THEM BACK IN.
And I'm supposed to get all excited that they will EVEN paint the pole BLACK to make it all pretty for me. Oh joy.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 13, 2006 - 2:52pm
#12
KAREN, this place in az. has the cheapest mercedes parts , i order from them all the time, http://www.autohausaz.com/ you need the carrier bearing holder , the carrier bearing, 2 flex disks front and rear, you might as well fix it right, is the drive shaft clumping now ??? will it make it to clearwater ??? i can hook you up with enough veggie oil to get home :}:}:}
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May 13, 2006 - 6:19pm
#13
OT, what about the drive shaft BUSHING?
I think I can make it to Clearwater okay. Has to be BEFORE the weekend of June 10th.
It doesn't clump or thump. You know the highways in Florida, how they have those ridges in the emer. lane that wake you up when your dozing off at the wheel? It sounds like that, but only shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. If I let off the gas pedal, I can control it some and it won't do it as bad.
CAN YOU HOOK ME UP WITH A DEAL TO REBUILD THE SHAFT AND GET IT BALANCED? And how much for that? This requires special machinery, and most repair shops sub the work out for that reason. I can bring my own parts for the rest.
I think I might have a place to stay in Clearwater. (You're not the only one with friends in low places.)
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 14, 2006 - 6:16am
#14
Bumpin' this, just to make sure OT sees my last question.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 19, 2006 - 8:17am
#15
Well, I at least got her hood latch cable replaced last weekend, did it myself. The plastic hood "tongue" pops thru her grille just like new now. The old cable had gotten brittle and broken off at the plastic handle inside the cab.
I've ordered the parts to replace her driveshaft bearing assembly, and the new flex disks. I am hoping a local driveline shop here will just do the install for me and leave Vanessa's driveshaft as is. I should know next week.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 19, 2006 - 10:06am
#16
I don't think this is a "big" job.
Put the car on some ramps, jack up the back and put it on some stands and pull it out.
Plenty of "how tos" out there. Personally I would do it myself.
When I changed my tranny mount I saw the flex disks... pretty easy to get at... a little PIA but, you can do it.
-------------------------
1987 MB 300SDL "Mazola Benz"
Liberals are like Slinkies...not really good for anything...but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
May 19, 2006 - 12:46pm
#17
Lol karen i love how you put that. Your definantly right maybe you should have a friend say a guy friend about 6 to 7 feet tall muscular build and brown hair brown eyes. Make sure he gets a crew cut or a high and tight haircut. Have him go down and ask about prices. Make sure he has a trigger temper also to deal with those jerks.
-------------------------
01 vw jetta TDI : RC II : VR6 Clutch
Vag-Com tool at home
Running on Veg since summer 04 still learning new tricks.
11mm IP + lift pump = POWER
Another good veg site
http://fryertofuel.hypermart.net/store/page6.html
May 19, 2006 - 12:50pm
#18
I thought about it, Mac, but there's special equipment involved to "balance" the driveshaft before you put it back in, and there's a particular way it has to be put back in, you have to mark your connection points and stuff...
I just wasn't comfortable with that. Too much margin for error for me. I need it done right the first time.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
May 19, 2006 - 1:59pm
#19
Got a driveshaft for my 535i from this place, was about $500 but it had greaseable u-joints! http://www.driveshafts.com/pages/mercedes.html
-------------------------
Cold starting issues, believe its original injectors with 182K dripping. Replaced 4 injectors on drivers side, much better starts. Looking at injection line heaters before tackling passengers side!
May 23, 2006 - 6:39pm
#20
Thanks for the tip 'Squall. I'll probably start fantasizing about greasable U-joints in my dreams, now that I know I don't have one.
Just an update, looks like I won't get that mini-vacation to Clearwater after all. I managed to find ONE shop in the entire Metro Atlanta area that will just install the replacement parts for me (which I got today) and not give me a hard time about her drive shaft. And for $175 total, so I took the deal.
Vanessa should be in good shape to make it to my Dad's family reunion on June 10th in Tennessee, to let the ancestors get a whiff of her chickeny exhaust (which is hilarious since my Dad is chicken-phobic and won't go near it and can't stand the smell of it either).
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
June 1, 2006 - 6:07am
#21
Just an update, Vanessa got all taken care of on Tuesday at a local driveline shop and had just her worn carrier assembly parts replaced. They were a pleasure to work with and charged a fair price. Vanessa is back on the road and running like a sewing machine.
When I received the box of parts I ordered ($124) and looked inside, I couldn't believe that these small bits of rubber would prompt the tranny shop to insist I needed to spend $730 on a rebuild! I was expecting some big honking industrial-type auto parts, but they were TINY and looked like they belonged on a toy car, or a little bitty econobox.
Thanks to everyone for the support and education on drive shafts!
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
June 1, 2006 - 6:49am
#22
swimgym
DAMN YOU GOT SCREWED AGAIN 700.00 ??? that guy here would have did the labor for 90.00 i told you that, he owns the driveshaft place and that is all they have done for 20-25 years is fix driveshafts
-------------------------they seen you comming you should have died your hair, you were a easy sucker
June 1, 2006 - 8:21am
#23
OT, I DID NOT GET SCREWED AGAIN!
I paid the $175 to have the parts I ordered installed. That's it. Worked out great.
I did NOT have her driveshaft rebuilt. It may need it, but it can wait, so I'll wait.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
June 1, 2006 - 8:56am
#24
Glad to hear Vanessa is back on the road, and for a less
$$$ than the crooks wanted.
June 1, 2006 - 10:16am
#25
Excelent news karen. Glad to hear it. Trying to find a good place to have work done is allways hard. A friend of mine needed a turbo regulator valve replaced on his jetta. Most places he called would not even sell just the valve they sell the turbo with the valves. He finally got it from a store online and the funny part is the controll valve is not accually in the turbo and isn't attached to it just connected to it.
-------------------------
01 vw jetta TDI : RC II : VR6 Clutch
Vag-Com tool at home
Running on Veg since summer 04 still learning new tricks.
11mm IP + lift pump = POWER
Another good veg site
http://fryertofuel.hypermart.net/store/page6.html
June 1, 2006 - 5:28pm
#26
OT,
I don't know why, but it seems like you always want to think everyone else overpays and you are the only one who gets the great deals. Maybe I'm wrong but after reading your posts for a year now that's the vibe I'm getting.
You're one smart veggie dude for sure, but you don't need to come across as a one-upper. No offense intended.
-------------------------
Steve M
1985 300SD (Benny)
Using what other people throw away in a dumpster for your personal use makes you a BUM! Selling what other people throw away in a dumpster makes you a GENIUS! Go figure.
June 1, 2006 - 6:09pm
#27
scmadm
i just hate seeing karen get ripped off cause she a lady and cause she is blond, she was gonna drive all the way down here to fla. to get her car fixed the guy would have did it for 90.00 if she had the parts.... 2nd i hate to see these peeps get ripped off on 30 plus year old diesel mercedes cars they spend a couple thousand for one and of corse they are gonna need work, i think batteryboy spent 4500.00 or 5000.00 for his wagon, that is alot of money, but i guess you can't find rust free cars iin new york, my 83 300td wagon was only 300.00 and it runs great, cold a/c too :}:}:}
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June 1, 2006 - 9:34pm
#28
You never need to worry about Karen. A woman with her tenacity, life experience (OK, that's a way of sayin she's no spring chicken) and killer looks will somehow always do OK.
I wish I had your luck when it comes to finding deals. I have been a dealer and come across some, but not in your proportions.
Grease On!
-------------------------
Steve M
1985 300SD (Benny)
Using what other people throw away in a dumpster for your personal use makes you a BUM! Selling what other people throw away in a dumpster makes you a GENIUS! Go figure.
June 2, 2006 - 2:48pm
#29
Boys, boys....
I've had some very positive experiences with auto repair shops, and I've had some that could have been better, and they probably all balance out to about even. My car is safe to drive, that's the main thing.
Next weekend, it's ROAD TRIP TO ALTAMONT, TENNESSEE!
WheeeeeeeeeeeDawggies!!!
Here's your No Longer A Spring Chicken, lookin' at ya!
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
June 2, 2006 - 4:54pm
#30
Nice touch on your modification to the above post! :-)
-------------------------
Steve M
1985 300SD (Benny)
Using what other people throw away in a dumpster for your personal use makes you a BUM! Selling what other people throw away in a dumpster makes you a GENIUS! Go figure.
June 2, 2006 - 7:08pm
#31
June 2, 2006 - 9:47pm
#32
48 in October.
-------------------------
Karen in Atlanta
a/k/a PeachGrease
1982 MB 240D (Vanessa)
Self-designed system for
Southern Climates
June 3, 2006 - 4:51am
#33
Ha. after that picture we should start a greaser babe calender. make some great cash for the site.
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what do you meen by driveline?
$730.00 for a tranz. rebuild is a great price, $730.00 for a compleat rear end is also a decent price, $730.00 for a driveshaft and hanger bearing is kind of high.
please give us more to go on.
-------------------------
Please use and support:
http://www.freetradecampus.org
and
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