300E (124.030) L6-3.0L (103.983) (1986)
Drive/Propeller Shaft: Customer Interest
Drive/Propeller Shaft - Vibration Reduction
TO:
OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS
DATE:
May 1986 REF.No. 41/11
SUBJECT:
A. CENTERING SLEEVE WITH BRONZE BUSHING ON REAR PROPELLER SHAFT
B.
BALANCING NUTS ON REAR AXLE FLANGE FOR REDUCING HUMMING NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS MODEL 124.030
A.
Centering Sleeve With Bronze Bushing On Rear Drive Shaft
Since the end of January 1986, a centering sleeve with bronze bushing (previously a plastic bushing) is installed on the rear propeller shaft. In
addition, a modified rear propeller shaft with tighter tolerances at the shaft flange is being installed, thereby eliminating minute propeller shaft
imbalances at the rear axle which can cause vibration. The modified propeller shaft can be identified by an orange ring at the rear of the shaft.
Effective Serial Number
Model
Chassis End Number
124
1A-171803
B.
Balancing Nuts On Rear Axle Flange For Reducing Humming Noise at Highway Speeds
On vehicles built prior to production phase-in, in cases of customer complaints, balancing nuts can be placed at the rear axle flange connection to
minimize any vibrations diagnosed after test driving the vehicle. The procedure is outlined on the following pages.
Procedure
1.
Raise vehicle on lift just high enough to allow removal of rear wheels.
2.
Place wheel chocks to the front and rear of each front wheel.
3.
Remove rear wheels.
4.
Start engine, engage transmission and accelerate to speed at which complaint was isolated. Using second person, diagnose vibration from rear seat.
5.
Raise vehicle and remove wax coating on rear propeller shaft.
FIGURE 1 - PROPELLER SHAFT-REAR AXLE FLANGE
6.
On the flexible coupling disc, number the locations of the 6 bolts (1-6) connecting the propeller shaft flange with the rear axle flange (Figure 1).