I have some vibration on my 83 300d. I just assumed the bearing, and the center bushing support was bad. Well, the support sure is bad, it is ripped, but the universl joint is NOT smooth. It almost seems like it "clicks" in out of place. I looked at the universal joints, and it does not look like they can be replaced. What should I do? THANKS!

P.S. I did mark the drive shaft before I took it out!

I started to just say " of course they can".... but did pull the chassis book out... lots about replacing centering sleeve...and the flex vibration dampners...
Maybe the universal joints are the only thing on the car which they could not figure out how to overengineer...thus thought no instructions were necessary on how to do them...
I feel sure they are replaceable....

Well, there are no keepers on the U/J. It looks like where the U/J was pressed in, the metal has been "rivited" as to where, you cannot press them back out. There does not seem to be a replacement part either. No option for a U/J is offered.

I had to replace the drive shaft because of a "click" like (I assume) you have. My research showed that the u-joints are not user rebuildable. I ordered a rebuilt and rebalanced drive shaft and replaced mine. I had to send the core back to the rebuilder, of course. The price I paid included return shipping costs and I used the box they sent it in. I received my $60.00 core charge within one week of sending the unit back. The result has been quite satisfactory. You will find my thread on "vibration cured" in which the drive shaft played a prominent role along with motor mounts, tranny mount and tension on the transmission from the exhaust hanger. I also replaced the flex disks and bolts at the time I replaced the drive shaft. The center bearing and rubber mount were included on the new drive shaft alng with the centering sleeves..

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Mike

2000 SL500 22,000 miles
1981 300CD 188,000 miles
1979 450 SEL 266,000 miles
2005 Cadillac CTS 25,000 miles

That is strange...
sounds like a solid disc is pressed into where the clips would normally be....
might have to use a core drill...then pull what is left...
and then find a clip to keep them in....
My theory has always been that if it was put together it can be taken apart and fixed... might be more work... and one level higher of machines or labor... but it is just metal....

"user rebuildable."
Have press, welder, pullers, will travel......LOL

Leathermang, do you also have the necessary tools to rebalance the drive shaft? That was the problem I found that was the most difficult. I tried to find a place in the Indianapolis area who could do it and came up empty. Each shop I called said they did not have the necessary tooling for Mercedes Benz and asked me why I was trying to do it the hard way. Why didn't I simply buy a rebuilt? I found it was cheaper than replacing the u-joint and then sending the driveshaft to someone who could balance it.

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Mike

2000 SL500 22,000 miles
1981 300CD 188,000 miles
1979 450 SEL 266,000 miles
2005 Cadillac CTS 25,000 miles

Bit of an old thread, but I have replaced these staked-in universal joints on Subarus before. I cut the cross out with a torch, hammer the caps in toward the center. I use a file to carefully remove the staked spots in the yokes, then install the new universal. I put a small tack weld on the yokes to retain the caps, and it's all set. No rebalancing needed, just mark both pieces and put them back together the same way.

I just had mine replaced on the 85 300D. Driveline shop sent it out to a machine shop to cut out the stakes. then the DL Shop replaced the U-Joint with a greaseable one. then made sure it was balanced. they also replaced the center bearing and rubber support. $265
Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I am from Malaysia, trying to source for a rebuilt drive shaft for W126 300SEL. Anyone can give me a reputable website to source for? appreciate the feedback.

this is a long way from where you are located, but here is one

http://thrashdriveshaft.com/

charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I kind of hate to admit this but I have "rebuilt" staked the U-joints assemblies before. I made a mill bit the thickness of a conventional circlip and used it to cut out the staked metal and at the same time cut a recess for the circlip for the new U-joint bearing end flush with the bearing end cap. So, I could replace them easier the next time just by removing the circlip. It was a pita but it can be done if great care is taken to center everything and then, of course have it balanced. I wouldn't do it again...I only did it because some "expert" said that it was impossible and he was stupid enough to put money on his assumption....