My drive shaft on my 1990 190E seems to have some up and down as well as rotational play at the front rubber damper. I was told the centering sleeve could be worn or missing. The rubber coupling seems to be worn out, I replaced it about 50,000 miles ago, and did not notice a problem with the centering sleeve or did'nt notice if there was a centering sleeve still there. I was also told the centering sleeve should be tight fit. Any thoughts would be appreciatied.

I have no idea what a centering sleeve is, but I can say that I have not ever seen or replaced one. IT is normal for these flex disks to wear out.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1991 GMC Syclone
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Jdub,

I just removed the engine and trans from a 1983 300SD and the centering bearing (bushing) is worn. I'm told you can purchase them without getting the whole flex disk.

It shows better in the 450SL parts book than the 300D

I have had two of these go now in 47000 miles on my 190E, they are inexpensive and easy to fit, once your are ready and have the car on the axle stands. Even with the new one fitted ( on an auto box )I still get a certain amout of grumble from the transmission. I think the centering bearing ( bushing ) they are on about is the sleeving fitted inside the end of the shaft and looks like a copper bronze ( possibly )bush to take the centrifugal loads at the end of the prop shaft.Once the shaft is off, the old bush can be chiselled off and a new one pressed home with a copper and hide faced hammer. It is well illustrated in my Haynes Manual ( Oh, Haynes ! sigh !) Chapter 7 Section 9. I will be happy to e mail you a copy if you need it.