On my 85 300D.
I put in both rebuilt axles and new diff. side seals, it is leaking from the center, not the outer edge on the right side only, the left side is not leaking.
I have replaced the right side seal twice now with new ones, still leaking.
I am using Elring (OEM) seals part#: J7041-36486 (003 997
83 47 ELR).
The axle shaft seal surface measures 1.768 in..
The diff. is clean inside, no metal at all, like new.
Am I using the wrong seals, is there a left and right seal?

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1985 300D California w/cat. (257,000 + Miles)
1980 300SD (208,000 + Miles)

Any ideas as to why it still leaks?
What am I doing wrong?
Thanx

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1985 300D California w/cat. (257,000 + Miles)
1980 300SD (208,000 + Miles)

Is the axle shaft seal in good shape? Also, does it have small spiral grooves in it? I've never taken mine apart, but I know that MB uses those grooves on some seal surfaces to cause oil to be better retained. The grooves are directional, that is, if they DO have grooves, they should be different from one side to the other because they rotate in different directions, and the wrong way would cause more leaking at the seal lip. The outside of the grooves should be leading while it rotates.

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.

The shaft seal surface is polished and smooth.
It measures: 1.768in. = 44.91mm
The new seal has 45mm stamped on it for the inside diamater, 45mm = 1.772in..
Would .004 in. be enough for it to leak?
There is no up/down movement on the spline going into the diff..
Have about .005 end play on spline where the "c" cliip is, (with the spacer in).
The seal did not have much pressure on sealing surface on the shaft before i installed the seal. Tryed it on the shaft before installing it.
I'm not liking pulling axles, but I'm good at it now.

Is there an after market seal that I can get, and where?
Maybe it would be tighter.

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1985 300D California w/cat. (257,000 + Miles)
1980 300SD (208,000 + Miles)

sealing surfaces that got grooved on non mb before. someone here says that doesnt happen with benzes but i think maybe it can. i would think someone offers a tighter seal. don't know who though.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.