CV Blues.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

EdmondsAve · #1 02-28-2007, 01:44 PM

Well I have been doing some massive restoration to my 85 300Dt, and up until this morning, I thought I was almost done other than paint and a bit of interior work. I kept hearing this popping for the past few days from the rear of my car, so I crawled underneath and saw that two of the exhaust hangers had broken. I was like "well ****, no big deal, only 3 bucks for a pair". I replaced them, but still popping when i let off the gas. So I jacked the car up, looked around, and found the culprit(s); The CV boot on the drivers side on the rear wheel is torn open, and the boot on the passenger side on the rearend is torn as well. My question is, what are my options? All new CV axles, or is there a less expensive and/or easier fix?

BTW, if anyone wants to see my wood trim restoration (sanding down the polyurethane, restaining with red oak 215, and coating with clear poly), I can take pictures and make a topic...If anyone likes my work and would like their trim refinished as well, perhaps we can work out a deal.

bgkast · #2 02-28-2007, 01:52 PM

Yes please on the wood refinishing how to guide.

There are a few options with the CVs but the consensus seems to be to just replace the whole half shaft with a good remanufactured unit.

EdmondsAve · #3 02-28-2007, 02:00 PM

and where is the most cost effective but reliable source/brand of axles?

79300sdtd · #4 02-28-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdmondsAve

and where is the most cost effective but reliable source/brand of axles?

people say CVJ here in denver. i think they are around $240 for the set. I aws talking to my indie and he said he could probably get them done a bit cheaper with a lifetime warranty i think. you would have to send your axels and wait for them to come back. i think the shipping would be the major time delay.

If you need more info i can get it for you. I am not getting anything out of you using my indie's guy. Just wanna spread the word in savings.

EdmondsAve · #5 02-28-2007, 02:21 PM

$240 for both rear axles? do they have a website???

and man i REALLY appreciate your help with your indie, but im a student plus i work nearly full time, so i cant go more than a day without my car (plus i love it

). My best interests are perhaps just replacing both rear axles on a sunday afternoon.

Now I have a new question: I really need to fix this asap, so I'm wondering how to tell the difference in what my axles are (annular or watever-kinetic), that way i dont buy the wrong ****. Is there a serial number or something i should look for?

bgkast · #6 02-28-2007, 02:29 PM

There are some pictures of each on here somewhere.

vstech · #7 02-28-2007, 03:13 PM

if your axel is not damaged, you might give this a try...
http://www.dieselgiant.com/mercedesaxleshaftbootreplace.htm

rrgrassi · #8 02-28-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

if your axel is not damaged, you might give this a try...
http://www.dieselgiant.com/mercedesaxleshaftbootreplace.htm

The problem is the popping. Damage is already done, and it would not be a good idea to keep using a damaged CV joint. Peace of mind and safety says replace both axles.

vstech · #9 02-28-2007, 03:22 PM

Hmm, the tool is pricey, but maybe someone on the forum may want to put it into the loaner program!
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/manufacturers-astoria-2000.html
the boots are affordable though!
John

79300sdtd · #10 02-28-2007, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdmondsAve

$240 for both rear axles? do they have a website???

http://www.cvjreman.com/MercedesBenz.php there is the website. i think you buy em and then send yours in as a core. i am not positive cause i have not had to do this yet.

BodhiBenz1987 · #11 02-28-2007, 04:02 PM

I can't help with the CV problem, but I would love to see photos of your trim restoration, and any tips or info. Want to do my own this spring/summer ... I'm particularly unsure about putting the new finish on, in terms of what to use, whether to paint it, spray it, how many layers, etc.

Hope you can find a cost-effective way to fix your rear end.

EdmondsAve · #12 03-02-2007, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

I can't help with the CV problem, but I would love to see photos of your trim restoration, and any tips or info. Want to do my own this spring/summer ... I'm particularly unsure about putting the new finish on, in terms of what to use, whether to paint it, spray it, how many layers, etc.

Hope you can find a cost-effective way to fix your rear end.

The biggest tip I can give you is to be CAREFUL when sanding. I have to replace a couple of pieces because i got sand-happy. Luckily theres about 6 of these in a junkyard near my home, so its easy for me to replace. I took on this project as a DIY tutorial I could make to give back to all of you for helping me, and as soon as I am finished, I'll figure out how to post everything with all the details. I'm fairly confident, now that I've worked out all the "kinks," that I could do the work for others (for a small fee of course), and there would be a great deal of satisfaction. I'll try to post the DIY asap, but as I work nearly full time and go to school full time, I only get about 2 or 3 days a week to work, usually in 4-5 hour increments. It's a test of patience with this stuff, but I'm very happy with the results on a few pieces. Some others werent sanded well enough and there was polyurethane pockets still showing through, so I had to strip and sand again. My uncle, who is great with carpentry, also gave me some tips. I'll keep ya posted.