I am preparing to R&R the axles of my 1985 300D Turbo (both inner boots are split) and have a question for those who have gone before.

In describing the R&R procedure for the rear axle of the W123 series of cars, the FSM notes specifically that some bolts and washers removed must always be replaced with new ones. These are

(1) the four bolts that attach the differential's rear rubber bearing to the floor of the car [reference: page 35.1--010/20, picture 22];
(2) the two bolts holding the brake caliper to the wheel carrier [reference: page 42.4--120/3, Note under line 4];
(3) the "clamping disk" under the bolt that attaches the axle shaft to the wheel carrier [reference: page 35.1--620/9, picture 15].

All references are to the factory service manual, "Chassis and Body, Volume 1" [paperbound book (c)1982, not CD-ROM].

What is the practice of those who have done this job? Do you replace the parts or just put Loctite on them and hope for the best?

I may just replace the boots, especially if I can find someone with a Flexx gun, but probably (the axles have 211,000 miles on them) will buy a set of rebuilt axles from CVJ in Denver.

Jeremy in Santa Rosa, California

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970