Might be time for a transmission rebuild

 

As Clay said, It might be the time for a rebuild, but this really applies to 722.3 through 722.5 transmissions. On the 722.6 is can be something else.

By the way, what year and model of the W140 car do you have?

Martin

 

I have a 1992 400SE

 

You have a 722.3 or 722.4. What goes out is the reverse lip seal tears.

Post 15 of the link below shows the picture, and it is the small inside seal tears. Download the Master.pdf on post 26. My guess if you have a 92, and lost reverse. More than likely other parts need replacing.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140-s-class/1407863-no-reverse-jerks-reverse-when-cold.html

If you DIY, you can rebuild it(I did), or the task is too daunting, but you can remove a transmission? then these guys sell excellent rebuilds at a great price here in the USA.

rebuilt remanufactured mercedes benz automatic transmissions

Martin

 

Thanks for the reply Martin,

How many hours would you say it would normally take a shop to pull the old and install the new transmission?

 

You are welcome,

I guess no more than four hours on a lift each way-On the V8's no need to remove the exhaust-But the oxygen sensors may need to be removed....

Since you are doing this i would seriously change out the rear main seal since the tranny is out? but the new seal requires a new updated bracket with updated bolts. Remember to put new torque converter bolts for the new tranny and new flywheel bolts if you change the rear seal...

Here is a thread on guy that tried to do a rebuild but failed and went to Sunvalley for a rebuild..Look at his pictures and look at the pan two years later...SunValley does good work. Throws in the towel at post 109, but look at the pictures from then on...

Help - stuck on road 722.3 no 3rd/4th gear - Page 8 - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

24k miles later on a Sunvalley Tranny..see post 14

getting a new tranny 1995 e320 - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum


Martin

 

I gave the Sunvalley guy a call and he was helpful and friendly. Unfortunately that rout will cost me about $2300.
I looked around and I found a guy who only does Mercedes transmission repair and said he can fix the reverse for $1,200.
I'm sure at this point my transmission needs more than just the reverse repair but I cant afford it. So I will probably go with that option.

Do you think $1200 for the reverse is a fair price?

 

Yes, it is a fair price, but a transmission this old it will need all the seals around the transmission, and a few clutches will be needed.

Now before you pay $1200, drain the transmission fluid(drain plug) on a clean clear container to see if it is not brown or grimy black. if the fluid is that way, you are just throwing your money away as slippage of one of the forward gears is near...


I drove with no reverse for about a one-year before i removed the transmission from the car. I'd drive the car for a while, and save some money, so you can get a Sun Valley Transmission .

Consequently, my discovery to my Transmission in my S320 with 130k miles was very worn out, so I think you have the same.

Best of luck,

Martin

PS...Step 7 the small seal is your problem, but change all these seals in step 10 and the gasket too if you opt for the $1200 fix..

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140-s-class/1369461-722-5-transmission-oil-pump-rebuid.html

 

By the way...Sun valley has a deal on Ebay for $1700 may be a better option...

1961 1996 Mercedes Transmission w Torque Converter Rebuilt | eBay

Martin

 

Thanks Martin,

The link says 1750 when I click on it which is the same price on their site and what I got on the phone. I think I'm probably going to go the $1,200 route and just fix the reverse gear. Although the sunvalley route sounds like the smartest it will be $2300 with install and out of the range I can spend. I just hope it doesn't come back to bite me and that when the mechanic opens it up he doesn't find any other major issues. It's all quite nerve racking to be honest.
Anyway, If I get another year or two out of it then I'm happy. Thanks again for your advice, much appreciated.

 

I totally forgot to mention this as it applies to you, and it did not apply to me with my 722.5. It is worth a gamble as the transmission does not need to be removed...

http://www.europeantransmissions.com/Bulletin/DTC.merc/97-20.pdf

Martin

 

Interesting, maybe I'll get lucky and be in that boat and it will be an easy fix. But knowing my luck I wont hold my breath. Thanks for the info!

 

You are welcome,

Best of luck..The link came from here:

722.4 no reverse engagement - AutosTalk Forums

Martin