This post is in regard to a 1983 300TD wagon, with 322,000 miles. The car is still running strong.

Last week, I heard what were "classic" halfshaft gone bad noises from the rear. I replaced the passenger side halfshaft less than a year ago, and it still looks good. The driver's side halfshaft had dry rot on the boots, so that got replaced this past Friday. When I drained the differential, all looked fine and normal, no metal shaving/particles in the drained fluid.

After putting it all back together, the noises persist. What is strange, the noises range from clicking, to a almost metal on metal grind, to a whir. The noises are most noted at slower speeds; while speeding up, and while slowing down. At 55-60mph, it almost sounds normal, but with a 'snow tires' on dry pavement type sound. My research here indicates that it is more than likely the driveshaft center bearing. Is there anyway I can tell for certain? I got under the car to inspect it, and it seemed to look fine, but I don't really know what to look for. Is this an item that would normally need to be replaced on a car with such high mileage? Aside from the halfshafts, is there anything else that it could be? Both the front and rear flex plates look really good, incidently. No dry rot, no cracks.

Also, what do the 8mm and 12mm refer to when buying a halfshaft? I bought an 8mm last year, and got another last week for the driver's side. It's bugging me that I cant' remember what that references. Thanks to all.
Damon

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1984 300TD Wagon--Astral Silver--Retired
1983 300TD Wagon--Dark Blue--Retired