Despite the outstanding engineering that has been consistently integrated into Mercedes-Benz models, they will develop a few issues, especially in older automatic transmissions. Mercedes operates admirably on the road, but the chassis flex disc may need to be replaced after a while.
A chassis flex disc is a component of your vehicle in which both the output and input shaft flanges are mounted. The Mercedes has two flex discs, both of which are constructed of hardened rubber. Despite its toughness, the rubber may expand and compress in response to temperature fluctuations and this can lead to a whole lot of issues.
The flex disc serves as a link that connects the differential, gearbox, and drive shafts without physically attaching them. The flex disc at the front of your Mercedes links the driveshaft to a transmission shaft, then the rear flex disc joins the driveshaft to the differential shaft.
Furthermore, whenever the transmission shaft sends power to the differential shaft, the flex disc protects the drive shaft against vibrations. When the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, the flex disc absorbs some of the torsional stresses.
Why Does Chassis Flex Disc Fail
The flex disc is subjected to a variety of elements that can have an impact on its performance. This includes the temperature, which varies based on where you are. Other vehicle features, such as engine operation, can also be affected. A temperature shift can induce contraction and expansion, thereby contributing to the wearing out of the disc. Temperature shifts can also make cracks occur in the flex disc.
Because of its location beneath the automobile, the AirMatic suspension exposes the disc to additional wear. Bolts and nuts are responsible for holding a disc in place and they would definitely fall off when the flex disc wears out. A worn chassis flex disc will degrade the performance of the vehicle.
How to Know if Your Chassis Flex Disc is Failing
Some symptoms of a failed flex disc include trouble shifting gears. A gear shifting issue is most visible while parking or moving into reverse. As a result of transmission problems, the gears will move with great force. If this symptom is not attended to early enough, it might lead to further damage to the gear system.
When the flex disc fails, you will also feel a general sense of uneasiness while driving. This is caused by unnecessary vibrations, and it can cause you to have a terrible driving experience. This vibration is mostly due to power being transferred from the driveshaft to the transmission shaft. It makes the flex disc shift, resulting in erratic and unpleasant motions in the automobile when driving.
As the flex disc rolls and knocks about, some noise will be created below your vehicle. When you move, the noise will be even more obvious.
How to Fix a Failing Flex Disc
There are several easy methods you can use to ensure a smooth, pleasant ride as your flex discs operate efficiently. One of these suggestions is to tighten the bolts and nuts that keep the flex discs in place. If there are cracks in the flex disc, then you have to replace it. This may also be accomplished by loosening the bolts and nuts with a wrench and then replacing them with new ones. Fitting it exactly where the previous one was is quick and straightforward with the right tools and knowledge.
Another thing to keep in mind is to remove the bolts linked to the driveshaft first before going on to the others, and then the one connecting the differential shaft. The sequence should be reversed when putting it back together.
Although these tips may sound pretty easy and straightforward, we do not advise that you do them yourself. Fixing this component incorrectly can put you and your car at great risk. It is better to allow a competent mechanic to fix your flex disc than to put yourself in great danger.
Our Experts in San Rafael Will Fix Your Flex Disc
Protecting the chassis from malfunctioning is an 
excellent approach to prevent replacing it. This may be accomplished by having your Mercedes serviced on a regular basis. At Heynneman European, we have experts that are knowledgeable in flex disc repair in Mercedes-Benz.
We are easily accessible to car owners in Larkspur, Corte, Kentfield, San Anselmo, Mill Valley, Fairfax, and San Rafael, CA. Call or visit our shop today to learn more about our excellent repair services.
* Mercedes-Benz AMG Car image credit goes to: Artistic Operations.
