You are correct, Brian. That's the problem with a "tale" as opposed to a "lesson." My story covered only the things I experienced and, as you have surmised, both axles slipped out without any trouble except for getting sticky goo (boot oil + duct tape stickum = goo) all over my rubber gloves.

The manuals do speak of driving the axle splines out of the wheel carrier (and being careful not to let the axle fall when it finally comes loose). However, I just pulled and they both came out easily. Next time, however, I suspect that the left axle may need help coming out, since I had a hard time getting it in.

I also read about lowering the trailing arms (disconnect the shocks) to get more clearance. That definitely requires disconnecting the brake calipers to prevent damaging the hoses. Again, however, I didn't have to do that. It was a tight fit (she said) but both axles came out with just a little wiggling.

When I stand back and look at the process as a whole, everything was in the preparation and the wrap-up. The actual "take out the axles and put in the new ones" was the work of only a few minutes. Hmmmm....I suppose there's a learning there, too.

Jeremy

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970