[W126 Coupe] Transmission problems and sway bar issues

[Markus Meyer]

 Ken,

Your car may not have those plastic Z shaped sway bar links, my 87 doesn't
either, it has what you are describing and I'm not sure why its different,
but it is.  My 86, 88, 89 and 90 all do have those links though.

I'd start with the trans service, that much mileage is way too long between
changes, see if that fixes things or not.  Best of luck!

Markus


>   *From:* mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:

> mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com] *On Behalf Of *kenhartz at comcast.net

> *Sent:* Saturday, January 09, 2010 5:47 PM

> *To:* mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com

> *Subject:* [W126 Coupe] Transmission problems and sway bar issues

>

>

>

> Hey;

>

> I am going through a new round of maintenance on my 86 560 SEC.  One of the

> issues I am trying to deal with is the transmission.  The transmission has a

> couple of issues.  The first, and most problematic is the shifting.  The car

> starts out in 1st (i believe, not second as it should) and then up shifts to

> 3rd at a higher than normal RPM (around 2500-3000), then hangs in third

> until I hit about 3000 to 3200 RPM's and then shifts to 4th.  Once in 4th, I

> can back down to moderate speeds, and if I accelerate, it will kick down to

> third just as it should.  When I come to a light, and start again, the same

> sequence repeats.  Now I must add, this first happened about 5 years ago,

> after the car sat for about 4 months.  Then I added some sort of additive,

> and it went back to normal.  The car was sitting for about 2 months

> recently, and this happened again.  I added another additive, but the

> problem got better to the point I have just described.  It was worse when I

> first started driving it again.  I have been driving it for about 3 months

> now, and the problem has settled into whatever it is.  The fluid was changed

> about 50000 to 75000 miles ago, which was about 8 years or 9 years ago now.

> I plan on replacing the trans fluid completely (torque converter, and

> cooler), and changing the trans filter.  I am in hopes that this may help.

> My guess is that contamination may have settled in the valve body, and

> hopefully the fluid and filter change will take care of this issue.  If not,

> my next guess would be the vacuum system.  I have looked at the vacuum

> lines, and nothing seems to be missing or cracked.  I had all the vacuum

> rubber pieces replaces about 6 years ago, and based on my inspection of the

> rubber pieces, the rubber is still good and pliable.  One more piece to the

> puzzle, and probably a separate problem, is my first gear kick down didn't

> work prior to the problem I have just mentioned.  It didn't go into first

> with the gear lever, or upon full throttle, so I do not know what is up with

> that.  But I do believe, as I had mentioned, the car is starting in first

> now, all be it improperly.  Any help, or words of wisdom will be

> appreciated.

>

> I have a chattering in the rear that I believe is the bushing at the end of

> the rear sway bar.  I have gone to many parts sites, and they seem to have

> the part listed, but it doesn't look like mine.  The part listed looks like

> a small piece of plastic that has two threaded ends (like a z shape).  But

> my cars sway bar end is a small metal part, with two bolts that attach to

> the sway bar, and a rubber bushing with a bolt in the center that attaches

> behind the rear rotor.  Any thoughts???  Am I looking up the wrong part?  I

> do not seem to have the parts that is listed (z shaped one), or am I just

> overlooking it, or cant find it.

>

> BTW, since my SEC in now my main ride again (my kids drove it for about 5

> years), I will probably be posting regularly since I have a long list of

> issues, such as, but not limited to, rear suspension, sunroof, heating/ac

> ducts, headliner, and a nasty tappet noise on my right cylinder bank!!  I

> have my work cut out out for me!!!

>

> Thanks

> Ken

>

> Kenneth N. Hartz, President

> Advanced Mortgage Services, Inc.

> 946 Farnsworth Ave.

> Bordentown, NJ 08505

> (p) 609-351-6565

> (f) 609-479-3557

>

> The MB Coupes Website!

> W126 SEC Mailing List

> Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.

>

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