Clutch Replacement

[Kevkeller]

I just pulled the engine for a rebuild in my 280sl. I’m going to replace the clutch disc but should I replace the throw out bearing and the pressure plate also?  Is there a wear measurement I can take? The car has about 127k miles on it.
Where is a good source for the parts?

[Kevkeller]

Any opinions?  Some of the parts are pretty expensive and I am not sure if they all really need to be replaced.

[Vander]

Have you checked with your dealer? I recently bought a clutch for a 190SL and the dealer price was less than places advertising online.

[Cees Klumper]

I would replace all wear parts, you don't want to have to go back in 6 months down the road to replace a bearing or what have you. You'll have it all apart anyway.

[Raymond]

I agree with Cees.  The expensive part will be the pressure plate, but how much in "wish I'd done that" will you pay if the plate starts to fail in a couple of years?

[Jonny B]

I will add my voice to the "replace it now" side of the ledger. You will not regret it.

[Benz Dr.]

Replace the clutch disk, throw out bearing, pilot bearing and maybe the pressure plate if it's scored, cracked, or heat checked. Grind the flywheel so that it's perfectly flat again.

[Kevkeller]

Thank you. That’s the info I was looking for.

[Kevkeller]

One other thing. Should I stick with MB parts or have experiences with other brands bern positive?

[Cees Klumper]

I am not familiar with the clutch parts on our Pagodas, but on other cars, clutch parts are often available from reputable brands not being the car manufacturer. For example, for the replacement of the clutch on our Porsche 944, we used a Sachs kit (pressure plate, throwout bearing, disc etc) purchased from FCP Euro rather than getting the parts through Porsche. I believe that Porsche would have charged 2-3 times as much. Could be they would have been the same parts. My point being that I trust Sachs/FCP Euro quality.

[Kevkeller]

Thank you Cees.

[Charles 230SL]

hi Kevin, hope all is well out there in the Pacific...
I agree with everything thats been said about replacing everything while you're in there - especially if you plan on keeping the car for a few years.
Not sure if you plan on rebuilding the engine yourself but if you send it out, I'd recommend Metric. They'll resurface the flywheel and press in a new pilot bearing.    take care, Charles

[Kevkeller]

Hi Charles,
Yes I sent it to Metric. They should get it today or tomorrow. Thank you.
Kevin.