Many W220 Mercedes-Benz owners focus on replacing rubber flex discs when dealing with propeller shaft maintenance, often assuming other components are durable. However, experience indicates that intermediate bearings and centering sleeves on the w220 mercedes may also require attention, especially if the vehicle has experienced issues with engine or transmission mounts. Ignoring these parts can lead to premature wear and necessitate repeated labor.
Drawing from expert advice, including recommendations from “Check Codes” on BW Elite, a proactive approach is best. When undertaking propeller shaft maintenance on your w220 mercedes, consider replacing flex discs, the center bearing, carrier, and dust boot simultaneously. This preventative measure saves time and labor in the long run, ensuring comprehensive driveline health for your w220 mercedes w220.
The w220 mercedes employs a two-piece propeller shaft, connecting the transmission and rear axle via rubber flex discs. These discs are crucial for absorbing driveline shock from the engine’s torque. The shaft comprises a front piece and a rear piece with a sliding connection, supported by an intermediate bearing within a rubber bushing and metal carrier. Centering rods in both the differential and transmission engage with centering bushings or sleeves at the shaft ends.
Wear and tear on the w220 mercedes propeller shaft can manifest in several areas:
- Rubber Flex Discs: Cracking is common and a primary cause of driveline vibrations and noise in the w220 mercedes. Failure can lead to significant damage.
- Intermediate Bearing: Grease breakdown over time can cause squealing, seizing, and vibrations in the w220 mercedes. Excessive play also contributes to vibrations.
- Bearing Bushing: The rubber bushing supporting the intermediate bearing deteriorates, losing its support and causing issues in the w220 mercedes driveline.
- Rubber Boot: Deterioration of the boot sealing the splined connection can result in grease leaks on your w220 mercedes.
- Centering Sleeves: Wear at sealing lips and hardening rubber can lead to grease leaks and, as noted in W124 WIS documentation, potential vibrations, especially during deceleration in manual transmission w220 mercedes models.
- U-Joint: Similar to the intermediate bearing, the sealed U-joint grease can dry out, requiring eventual replacement on your w220 mercedes.
These wear points can lead to noticeable vibrations within the w220 mercedes cabin, particularly in the rear console area.
Examining Propeller Shaft Wear on a W220 S500
Personal inspection of a w220 mercedes S500 revealed several wear indicators, despite the absence of noticeable driveshaft vibrations at the time. A dealer inspection highlighted the need for flex disc replacement, prompting a closer examination of the entire propeller shaft assembly.
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Front Rubber Flex Disc: Severe cracking was evident, with a small portion broken off, although hidden from direct view by transmission components. The lack of prior vibration was surprising, suggesting imminent failure.
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Intermediate Bearing: Visual inspection from below showed dried grease deposits and noticeable play. Post-removal testing confirmed a soft grinding noise, indicating grease degradation despite no prior squealing.
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Carrier Bushing: The rubber bushing appeared to be in acceptable condition.
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Rubber Boot: Deposits around the boot indicated potential leakage at the spline connection.
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Centering Sleeves: While seemingly intact, all grease had leaked out. Measurement confirmed a 1mm increase in the internal diameter of the old sleeve’s sealing lip compared to a new one, attributed to rubber hardening and shrinkage.
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U-Joint: The U-joint appeared to be in good condition.
Image showing a severely cracked front flex disc removed from a W220 Mercedes S500, highlighting the extent of rubber degradation and potential for failure.
Close-up of a used intermediate bearing from a W220 Mercedes S500, revealing dried grease deposits indicating potential bearing wear and need for replacement.
Image highlighting grease residue around the rubber boot at the spline connection of a W220 Mercedes S500 propeller shaft, indicating a possible grease leak.
Side-by-side comparison of old and new centering sleeves for a W220 Mercedes, illustrating grease leakage from the old sleeve and the improved sealing of the new part.
DIY Aim, Disclaimer, and Acknowledgements
This guide is intended for novice DIY enthusiasts working on their w220 mercedes. It documents a first-time propeller shaft refurbishment and serves as a supplementary resource to official Workshop Instruction Sheets, not a replacement. The information is provided for informational purposes only, and accuracy is believed to be reliable, but no responsibility is assumed for outcomes. Readers are responsible for determining the suitability of these methods and adopting necessary safety precautions. Always prioritize official Workshop Instruction Sheets and use this guide as a reference.
Personal methodology involves pre-project research, integrating information from various sources into a single guide for practical use. Sharing this experience aims to assist fellow w220 mercedes owners, welcoming suggestions and corrections to improve accuracy and value.
Acknowledgements are extended to Workshop Instructions Sheets, Pelican Parts Technical articles, and forum members Check Codes, Ricebubbles, and Quadcammer for their valuable contributions.
Parts and Fluids for W220 Mercedes Propeller Shaft Maintenance
The following parts were used for a 2001 w220 mercedes S500:
- Flex Disc Kit (230 410 01 15): Includes mounting hardware (T60 bolts, 18mm nuts, washers). OEM discs are Lemförder. Two discs per car (front and rear). Note: one T60 bolt in Lemförder kits (17979 01) may be slightly shorter. Writing on discs faces the rear upon installation.
- Intermediate Bearing (008 981 43 25 or *** 6006RSR)
- Driveshaft Center Support/Carrier (211-410-01-81)
- Rubber Dust Boot (202 411 04 97)
- Centering Bushing/Sleeve (124-410-07-32)
Recommended fluids from WIS:
- Long-life grease (NLGI grade 2): MB 266.2 grease (A 000 989 63 51) for the splined connection (Castrol Olistamoly 2).
- Multipurpose Grease (NLGI Class 2): For centering sleeve cavities (6 grams). Examples: Castrol LM Mehrzweckfett 2, Fuchs Renolit 283 EP 2, Mobilgrease MB 2, Shell Gadus S2 V145KP, Total MULTIS 2. Castrol LM Grease shown below.
Image showcasing essential parts for W220 Mercedes propeller shaft refurbishment, including flex discs, intermediate bearing, center support, dust boot, centering sleeves, and recommended greases.
Image displaying recommended grease types for W220 Mercedes propeller shaft maintenance, highlighting long-life grease for spline connections and multipurpose grease for centering sleeves.
Part 1: Exhaust System Rear Section Removal on W220 Mercedes
- Safely elevate your w220 mercedes using jack stands, a lift, or ramps (front ramps, rear stands). Rear wheels need to rotate freely.
- Remove the exhaust system from the flange connection (11/3, 11/4, 11/5).
- Remove bolts connecting the front and rear exhaust sections. Nuts are 12mm (11/3), bolts are 13mm (11/5). Penetrating oil may be needed for rusted bolts. Severely rusted bolts might require cutting.
- Unscrew two bolts (11/9) from the rear exhaust rubber mount (9/2). Support the rear exhaust assembly.
- Support the exhaust assembly at the catalytic converter junction. Unscrew bolts (11/6) and nuts (11/7) from exhaust rubber mount (9/1).
- Carefully lower and remove the rear exhaust section. Retrieve the exhaust sealing ring from the left side pipe joint.
- Support the front exhaust section to prevent strain on manifold bolts.
Part 2: Removing Reinforcement Bridge and Shielding Plates on W220 Mercedes
- Remove the rear reinforcement bridge (crossbar 35). Four 13mm bolts at the rear end secure this crossbar.
- Detach the front exhaust shielding plate (105k) from the exhaust shielding plate above the center muffler (105e). Two 7mm nuts and three 8mm screws need to be removed. Slide the panel out, wiggling if necessary.
- Detach the exhaust shielding plate above the center muffler (105e) in the tunnel area. Remove two additional 7mm nuts.
- Detach the front crossbrace (34) near the transfer case. Two 13mm bolts secure this brace. Removing it provides more space to maneuver the propeller shaft for flex disc removal on your w220 mercedes.
By following these steps, you can access and begin the process of replacing the flex discs, intermediate bearing, and centering sleeves on your w220 mercedes propeller shaft, ensuring a smoother and more reliable driving experience.
