Rear Flex disc?

[samiam44]

Can this be replaced without removing the exhaust? I've got an aftermarket custom exhaust/headers. Just want to know how much lift time I'm in for prior putting it on the lift.

FYI- I'll be using a friend's lift at his business, so it's very important to get it finished the same night.


Michael

 

[gsxr]

With creative wrenching, you should be able to loosen the center support bolts enough to loosen it, without dropping the exhaust. This will let the rear propshaft slide forward enough to change the flex disc. You have to remove the nuts for the heat shield to make room, and it's VERY tight.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Cheers Dave,

Very timely thread... Discovered on my R129 (this is SL320 now), front flex is done, so going to replace them both indeed. Read through few articles, just to be clear: Would it be easier for me to do the job with the front flex removed first, remove the rear flex bolts/nuts, then, as you suggested, loosen up the center support to slide the shaft enough to remove the rear flex?

Regards,
D

 

[kwontumspeed]

and it's VERY tight.

Very, very tight.

 

[gsxr]

Very timely thread... Discovered on my R129 (this is SL320 now), front flex is done, so going to replace them both indeed. Read through few articles, just to be clear: Would it be easier for me to do the job with the front flex removed first, remove the rear flex bolts/nuts, then, as you suggested, loosen up the center support to slide the shaft enough to remove the rear flex?

I've never done this on an R129 so I'm not sure if the same info applies, but on the 124, the center support is what limits movement... need to access those 2 bolts and loosen them a turn or two. This may help with the front disc R&R also. On the front disc, you may need to remove the rear trans mount + bracket for better access to the bolts. And don't forget that the washers always go against the flex disc, NOT the flange.

EDIT: Also make sure to only use OE, or OEM SGF, discs. Nothing else.

 

[gerryvz]

Cheers Dave,

Very timely thread... Discovered on my R129 (this is SL320 now), front flex is done, so going to replace them both indeed. Read through few articles, just to be clear: Would it be easier for me to do the job with the front flex removed first, remove the rear flex bolts/nuts, then, as you suggested, loosen up the center support to slide the shaft enough to remove the rear flex?

Regards,
D

That's what I would do -- remove front flex first, loosen rear, loosen up center support and then remove rear flex.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Perfect gentlemen, I appreciate it!

While I couldn't find step by step specific info for R129, I figure there are enough similarities across the platforms for me to gain some know how (before doing it).

Yes, I was promised SGF made units, I remember discussions here and many other forums in terms of quality, so what's coming are SGF stamped, made in Germany. Not taking chances on the drive line pieces.

I was under the car about year ago, didn't see a single crack at 85K, I figured 100K I will change both. But after a morning weekend drive, on the way home, felt odd vibration, got the car on the ramps, chunks missing from the front flex disc (95K), it is 1995... So in the garage its staying for now, could have been a disaster!

While waiting for the parts, changed the oil, drained converter, transmission fluid and filter replaced, differential fluid replaced...

Regards,
D

 

[samiam44]

Generally, the E500e is slightly easier- it has a slip joint where the other models have the nut which provides some minimal clamp up.

Thanks on the suggestion on removing the front first- I need to reinspect my rear. All was done recently(less than 2 years and less than 20k miles). I think the factory style has changed over the original SGF. I think the factor of safety for failure is like 20x the max torque.
My exhaust is easier to pull... being aftermarket, but it's still a few hrs of work to R&R a flex disc.


Michael

 

[Eno]

For reference purposes as per EPC, the OE flex disc kits for .036 are as below.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Duh_Vinci]

For reference purposes as per EPC, the OE flex disc kits for .036 are as below...

Thank you for the visual, Eno, appreciate it!

Well, FCP promised SGF and SGF made units arrived:

Going to give these a try on Fri, but from what I hear is not as easy as W124/W201. One way to find out...

Regards,
D