Change CV Boots or the Whole Axle?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

olsaltybastard · #1 09-20-2006, 09:57 PM

The downside to buying a 23 year old car....things need replacing. My CV boots are leaking oil. I stopped by the mechanics shop today to get a few prices and will be doing this in my garage (seven hours of labor for CV boots!!)

Anyone know where I can get refurbished axles for a decent price? I am weighing the price difference between replacing the entire axle assemblies or taking the original axles to a shop and have them replace the CV boots (for a fee of course.)

Any other info you may want to give would be appreciated.

Oh yeah, 1983 300D, 131,000 miles.

mobetta · #2 09-20-2006, 10:01 PM

try checker-shucks kragen (partsamerica) online- they have axles for under a c note, but last i heard they were out of stock.

#3 09-20-2006, 10:03 PM

As I recall I spent about $1000 (parts and labor) to have both mine replaced. I've had good luck with mine from CVJ Axles in Denver, 303-297-2448 (Well over 50K miles now). I don't think they are the cheapest around, but I believe they have a good reputation.

jbaj007 · #4 09-20-2006, 10:14 PM

CVJ doesn't grind the "spider"; others do. Good rep as Craig said.

http://www.cvjreman.com/MercedesBenz.php

olsaltybastard · #5 09-20-2006, 10:19 PM

Thanks for the info, you guys rock!! I may wind up replacing the entire axle as it will most certainly be a bit quicker. I'll give them a call and get a price in the morning.

RAYMOND485 · #6 09-20-2006, 11:11 PM

1984 300d Turbo 140,000
Replace With New Axles Diy, Remove The Rear Shocks Top Nut, Under Rear Seat, 3-8 Hrs Diy $325.00 Ea New, Replace The Rear Diff Bushing $58.00 Same Time 4 Bolts Diy

pawoSD · #7 09-20-2006, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAYMOND485

1984 300d Turbo 140,000
Replace With New Axles Diy, Remove The Rear Shocks Top Nut, Under Rear Seat, 3-8 Hrs Diy $325.00 Ea New, Replace The Rear Diff Bushing $58.00 Same Time 4 Bolts Diy

At least you didn't recommend using camshafts instead of CV axles....

pawoSD · #8 09-20-2006, 11:39 PM

I called my dealer-dude today and asked what it'd cost to:

A. Have the existing axles rebooted.
or
B. Have the axles replaced + new boots.

He didn't know off hand but he said he'd call me back...probably sometime tomorrow. He'll probably say "I don't know what the name is for a number this large, can you just come out and look at it on the computer screen?"

We'll see....

Nate · #9 09-20-2006, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAYMOND485

1984 300d Turbo 140,000
Replace With New Axles Diy, Remove The Rear Shocks Top Nut, Under Rear Seat, 3-8 Hrs Diy $325.00 Ea New, Replace The Rear Diff Bushing $58.00 Same Time 4 Bolts Diy

I look at your posts, and go "WTF"

WHAT'S WITH The Capitilization On Only The First Letter Of Each Damn Word???

are you a computer or what? No emmocion, or espelling mistakeres

~Nate

#10 09-20-2006, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

He'll probably say "I don't know what the name is for a number this large, can you just come out and look at it on the computer screen?"

We'll see....

It's not a good sigh when they have to use exponents for the estimate.

I'm guessing a dealer will want around $1500 if he uses new half shafts.

pawoSD · #11 09-20-2006, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate

I look at your posts, and go "WTF"

WHAT'S WITH The Capitilization On Only The First Letter Of Each Damn Word???

are you a computer or what? No emmocion, or espelling mistakeres

~Nate

I've been wondering that too, maybe some parts website has a "bot" software that scans this forum looking for questions on parts/job prices then it just puts in a "generic response" with prices from its system or something. I do agree they always look the same, and never once has this person actually responded with normal speech or emotion in their text....very odd indeed.

pawoSD · #12 09-20-2006, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

It's not a good sigh when they have to use exponents for the estimate.

I'm guessing a dealer will want around $1500 if he uses new half shafts.

Yeah I sure hope there's no exponents involved in the price...

Considering they pulled my car's whole tranny, redid all the seals in-house, and reinstalled it + fluid etc...for about $1100ish, maybe it won't be all that much for the CV axles (as long as new half shafts are not needed...I don't think they are since mine are smooth/quiet)

Jeremy5848 · #13 09-21-2006, 12:25 AM

I put CVJ axles in my car over the July 4 weekend for a total of $322.19 including shipping from Denver to California and shipping the cores back to CVJ. Three year guarantee. Probably the least expensive good quality rebuilder. Some forum members have had good luck with axles from Cheapie Joe's Auto Parts and some have not. Many such cheap axles come with a lifetime warranty but doing all that labor over again is not worth it.

Incidentally, my indy quoted me about $1300 to do the job with locally-rebuilt (and probably good quality) axles. The only advantage (nice for those who can't do their own work) is that if a part he put in fails, he doesn't charge for labor the second time. At $100/hour, he better not!