PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

dmorrison · #4 04-20-2008, 03:50 AM

Picture #16
To remove the C clips I used this hooked scratch all I got from Harbor Freight ( item 93958-2VGA). Pull on the clips hole in the tab and the C clip come out of the axle shaft. Watch out it will go flying if done this way. So be ready to catch it or it will be about 5 feet behind the car. I recommend doing one axle at a time so clips, washers, and spacers are not mixed up.
You may have to rotate the axles to find the C clip tab. The c clip can rotate on the axle.

Picture #17
Remove the axle by just pulling it towards the wheel hub, yes you will have to direct it around the wheel hub, but it will move easily.Once the axle is removed, carefully clean the axle to differential seal. Do not allow dirt and particles to enter the differential. As you can see mine are in very good shape. So even though I had a set I choose not to replace them. Replacing them is just like any seal. A seal puller is best to remove it. Apply gear oil to the seal and press it in. Refer to the manual on depth of the seals position.

Picture #18
Remove the spacing ring from the old axle and place it on the new one. You may have to file the inside of the spacer opening to remove any burs that interfere with its installation. Spacer rings are specific to the axle side, DO NOT SWAP THEM. You should reuse the old spacer. It was specifically installed based on the differential adjustment to place the axle in the correct position in its opening. As long as you don’t mess with the differential gear adjustment you should not have to change the spacing ring.

Lube the axle seal with gear oil and insert the axle into the differential opening. Press it in as hard as you can. Look at the axle in the differential where the C clip attaches you should see the slot for the c clip.
Concerned with losing the c clip I attached a wire to the tab hole and then installed the C clip. If it went flying I could easily retrieve it from inside the differential.

NOTE: the axle/C clip fitting should be snug, NOT LOOSE

Picture #19
I pressed in the C clip as far as I could with my fingers and then used a punch and hammer to drive it all the way in. I did this by tapping on either side of the tab.

Picture #20
Make sure the tab is completely inserted into the axle slot. You want to make sure the C clip did not spread and is on top of the axle. You want it in the slot provided. I rotated the axle to see the end of the C clip and make sure it is in the slot. Do this for both ends of the C clip.

Dave