Gear oil change and clutch actuator adjustment on the Smart 451

Was having shifting issues and what I figured was a slipping clutch in the 2011 Smart 451 Lemons Rally car. Decided to change the fluid and adjust the clutch actuator. Also got something cool. Stay tuned throughout the video for fails and fun. Thanks for watching.

[@splynk1]

Preload on clutch actuator should be 5 kilo

[@hughbertsprojects]

Thanks for the info. Here in the states I couldn’t find anything.

[@thefpvyawthority8106]

My transmission was knocking hard when I let off the brake Changed 2 of my motor mounts that were destroyed Fixed it

[@hughbertsprojects]

I had replaced the motor mounts on this first thinking that was the issue. Unfortunately It did not take care of the issue. However now it is much better since I adjusted the actuator.

[@gigmaresh8772]

Any of you going under your Smart snyway . . . Disconnect your battery. And then disconnect your engine to frame ground strap and make that connection really pretty. Both the strap and the frame. A bad ground will eventually go right back to the SAM and cause a multitude of really annoying problems

[@hughbertsprojects]

Good to know. Thanks.

[@Melissa-fg3mr]

I know this is an old post, but did you need to do the computer reset that the manual calls out? I have mine out for a clutch replacement and wondering if I need to go to the dealer with it. Thanks- your video helps.

[@hughbertsprojects]

I have not had to do a reset with the dealer computer. Unfortunately there is not any dealers near me that work on these cars. My red and yellow car gave me the most fits with the actuator. Disconnecting the battery in that one seemed to fix the issue I was having.

[@Bepissmall]

I know it's a bit unrelated but the oil pan drain plug on my 13 smart is stuck in pretty good and none of the tricks I know have freed it, especially with how little space under the car I have. Any tips?

[@hughbertsprojects]

You could put the rear of the car up on ramps. Or if you have 2 sets of ramps elevate the entire car. I did that with my red and yellow one. That drain plug was super tight. Once the car was up I could get under it for better leverage.

[@mohammadishtiaq869]

Put a ring spanner on it and kick it from behind use the wheel if you need something to hold onto hope that helps. (Drive onto some planks of wood just to raise it slightly)

[@hughbertsprojects]

I’ll remember that for next time. Thank you

[@HorsepowerHouse]

Allen-head drain bolts?? Omg I can only imagine how many those get stripped out... 😮‍💨🤣👎

[@hughbertsprojects]

Terrible idea. These were full of dirt and debris before I started. Had to clean them out.

[@rafaelaguilar1329]

how many lines did you leave for the final adjustment

[@hughbertsprojects]

It all depends on your car and how much clutch wear you have. I believe this car was 5 and my first one was 2-3.

[@rafaelaguilar1329]

Now the first time works good but when is hot some times not reverse gear i have to go D-N and R

[@hughbertsprojects]

@rafaelaguilar1329 there is a possibility something in the shifter it’s self is causing your issue. It has contacts in it that could be worn.

[@torjosteingrnning5342]

Jeg har hat både type 451 og 451 diesel. Det har kun vært trøbbel fra første dag , og utrulig mange domme konstruksjons løsninger. For eksempel så må en senke motoren for å skifte diesel dysene. Jeg syns det er utrulig at Mercedes med sit gode navn og rykte vil være med på å bygge noe så dårligst

[@hughbertsprojects]

Here in the states the diesel was not available. People have imported the 450 diesel already and there is not a single dealership that can work on them. Canada is the only place where the 450 Diesel can be serviced.

[@rafaelaguilar1329]

what kind of oil is that

[@hughbertsprojects]

75w-90 GL4 gear oil. 2.5 quarts.

[@rafaelaguilar1329]

It is for automatic transmission

[@rafaelaguilar1329]

I have a 2009 smart for two

[@hughbertsprojects]

@rafaelaguilar1329 yes. All smart cars in the US are the automatic.

[@rafaelaguilar1329]

Thank you so much