I have the entire subframe, differential and attached trailing arms/axles/wheel hubs out of my 85' 300D turbo W123. I was going to keep the axles/diff/hubs together and not try to disassemble them, since I have never personally had the axles out of the rear hubs before. Manfred Pfeiffer (H&M ********) replaced one axle back in 2001.

I am reconditioning the entire rear end, degreasing, cleaning, removing some scattered rust scale, and using POR-15 and Chassis coat. Mostly everything is in pretty good shape considering 230K miles and 21 years.

(1) Is pulling out the axles from the hub an easy task? Or should I keep everything sealed up since there will be rust and crap flying around? OK I checked and I think they are sealed, so pulling out the hub end of the axles will not mess with bearings. Am I right?

(2) Should I avoid disconnecting the diff from the subframe? There are four big bolts that hold it to the subframe. I need to deep clean, remove rust, and paint, and it (the pumpkin) is in the way.

(3) Is it difficult to change the front seal on the diff? Mine is slightly leaking, but I don't want to open it if it's borrowing trouble. I'd like some advice here.

Pics can be posted upon request. Appreciate everyone's help!

__________________
Theo

1985 300D turbo 235K miles, Delvac 1, mostly B20 BioDiesel

klakka klakka klakka klakka...Arf arf arf arf...
How does that dog always know when Theo's home??!

tganos,

My axles came out easily from both the differential end and wheel end and slipped back in as easily.

But I have read that others in the forum had problems getting the axles in and out.

So it depends on your indvidual car and U won't know until U try to R&R the axels.

P E H