Quote:
Originally Posted by unkl300d
Hey Graham, that elastomeric action is what allows for stretching.
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant-5200/?N=5002385+3293241623&rt=rud
Can you clarify the condition of your boots at the time of 3M 5200 coating?
Were they just kind of dry externally but not cracked etc.?
BTW I just recalled that my indie mechanic replaced the axle shafts of a W123 last year and he bought the new axles from some outfit.
The flange that goes into the differential had a proud lip that did not allow seating. He had to grind it down so the flange was flat. Then it worked. But that may have been a proprietery bug from that manufacturer. They were not rebuild MBZ axle shafts.
No idea whether the different W123 models had different axle shaft part numbers... |
My boots had typical cracking at top and bottom of the bellows flutes. I first thoroughly cleaned the boots with water, simple green & acetone. Then wire brushed with fine brush. Filled the cracks by turning until they opened. Once filled, painted on a thin coat while rotating axle. Let it set a bit, then did that again several times. Turned wheel every hour or so to prevent sagging. A quick-dry version of the 3M product would have been better. If I had had the axles out, I think they would still be good because the method essentially builds a new thin layer of rubber using the old bellows as the form.
The axles I bought have a very minor radius where the spacer would fit. I will try a spare spacer on them, but it is so little I think spacers will seat properly.
My biggest concern, is that the inner boot clamp is missing on the GSP axle I received. Will check second one if they deliver it tomorrow.
__________________
Graham
85 300D
,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5