W123 - Axle Shaft Replacement Questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 09-26-2006, 10:38 PM

I am getting ready to replace some drive shafts on my 300D’s. Two of the shafts I am getting from my 200D ‘donor’ car. I have the shaft slid out of the rotor and now I need to remove if from the differential. I have been told that I need to remove the differential cover to remove some clips to release the shafts completely. I have a few questions regarding this for when I replace them on the 300D’s.

1. Is there a gasket for the differential cover? I have look at the parts list, but I do not see one or I missed it.

2. What oil should I use for the rear end and how much is needed?

3. What lubrication should be used on the shaft splines?

4. Are there any other parts that I should replace while I have the shafts pulled?

Thank you in advance.

RAYMOND485 · #2 09-26-2006, 11:27 PM

1984 300d Turbo 140,000
No Gaskit Rtv Works Good Clean Surface And Use 85-90 Gear Lube To The Level Of the Fill Hole, Take Rear Top Fill Plug Off Than Drain Plug , Cover Off, Pull The C-clip Out Use Long Plairs And Position The Diff Gear By Set Car In N -move Tires To Position The Clip To Pull Out, Ea Axle Has A Clip, The Plugs Are Taper And Hard To Remove Use A 3/8 Allen And Long Breaker Bar With Jack To Move Ccw, Replace The Diff Bushing 6 Bolts $58.00 Same Time. REMOVE THE TOP SHOCKS NUTS TO LOWER WHEEL TO PULL WHEEL AXLE
OUT FIRST THAN DIFF INSTALL REVERSE, LUBE END OF AXLES

Jeremy5848 · #3 09-27-2006, 12:28 AM

Use the 'search' function. This job has been described in detail many times w/photos. Once by me, many times by others.

There is no gasket for the diff cover. Clean the surfaces well and use a thin coat of RTV silicone seal.

Use 80-90 weight oil, about a quart. Some posters prefer synthetic oil.

The shaft splines need no lubrication although coating them with oil may make them easier to slide into place.

While the axles are out, replace the seals in the diff case that the axles go through.