Based on the posts I've read, I get the impression that rebuilt CV half shafts are to be avoided like the plague. That's fine, but it also seems like brand new parts simply do not exist. I checked with my local AutoZone, and they told me they have nothing and couldn't even order anything.

I came across one website, http://www.********.com, that apparently has brand new CV half shafts for models other than the 300SD. Are there other models (e.g., 300D?) that have identical half shafts?

My basic question is where would I get a brand new CV half shaft for a 1982 300SD?

The guy that sold me this vehicle told me that the right rear axle would probably need to be replaced soon. After driving the car a couple times, I couldn't agree more. There is a hellacious clunk from time to time when I accelerate and then let off the gas (as the "slack" in the drivetrain is taken up.) I looked at the right rear shaft, and I can see that someone slathered gobs of grease all over it. The left shaft appears to have never been touched. So, I'm hoping I can get away with replacing just the right shaft.

Try a wrecking yard. In general, if the boot is intact, the CV joint is good. Look for axles with original boots and clamps.

Sixto
87 300D

Where are you getting this impression? There are some excellent rebuilders out there. Try CVJ in Denver.

Mercedes will sell you a new axle for about $900; there's also a made-in-Germany axle for about $400 that is supposedly a newly manufactured part. Anything else claiming to be "new," I would advise caution.

Cheapo-rebuilts are available for $100 each or less. Some have had good luck with them and there have also been some failures. As with anything else, you get what you pay for.

Jeremy

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"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

I have a couple of rebuilt CV's on my 230CE that have so far lasted over three years. I got one from Autozoo and the other from Schmucks, both costing less than $100 with a lifetime warranty. The job is fairly easy if I had to replace one.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Yeah search this forum for CVJ. That's why I bought them for my 85 300D Turbo. $280 + $100 core charge + $20 shipping for 2. Cost me $30 to return cores and they immediately redeposited the $100 core charge in my bank account. Final cost for 2 $330

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1985 300D Turbo
"Evolution is God's way of giving upgrades" Francis Collins

I've heard good things about www.raxles.com

Sixto
87 300D

I have $78 each rebuilts on my car but for 10 months so far so good. Some of the threads I read said that the rebuilders reused the old CV joint hence their worry concerning a rebuild. Some rebuilders advertise they use new CV joints in their rebuilds; I would buy from one of these dealers.
I did some internet searching and found it was difficult to find anyone selling rebuilt CV axles for a 82 300SD. This is going to limit your choices.
I have done enough business with ******** that they gave me twice now 5% diecounts. They have good prices on many items but do not sell as many items as other companies.

I got brand new aftermarket (not rebuilt) axles for $300. I found them through a local mechanic. Check with some local indys and they might have a cheap supplier.

Scott

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Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)

Marty at www.raxles.com does not do the Mercedes axles. I inquired about axles for my '83 and '85 300DT's and he said he's not interested in doing MB axles.

I did buy front axles for my '96 Volvo 850 from him and was pleased with the quality. They were $150 each.

I bought the rebuilts before I was a member here so I did not have all of this info available. I got them a kragen autoparts and because it was local did not have to pay shipping or to ship the core. Since that time there are 2 persons on Mercdes shop who claim the got brand new axles for $88. When I looked around myself I could not find those but I did find some NEW for $125 (84 300D) made by First Equipment Quality.
http://www.***********************/search/?N=1668+11142+4294966746+5637
Since the rebuilts are on my car and working I am not inclined to buy new ones. (Also the Homokenetic axles sell for less than the Annular ones.)
I also found a site that has it seems everthing but NEW mercedes cv axles for $80-$90 with some in the $120 range.
Are the new axles made in China? I don't know.

As far as the person who started this thread who has a different year and model then me I only found 1 source of rebuilt for $202. I did not think this was a good price so I figured some of the other member could help.

Except for 1 wheel alignment and Smog checks (I am 57 years old) I have never taken any of my vehicles to any mechanic. So I know no one to buddy up with to supply me with information except for Mercedes shop.

So far, it looks like CVJ is my only option for a quality reman part. I also found a used part (I think) from this place:

http://usedautoparts.everdrive.com/partdetails.aspx?sku=373509

$120 for a used part might be a little steep, but I'm getting desperate here. Both AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts do not carry this part.

In other news, I just learned today that there is a fairly well-known Mercedes mechanic just 5 minutes from my house. This guy: http://www.starmotorsny.com/index-1.html

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to pull up in my clunky old 300SD and ask him what I should do about this axle.

I really appreciate all the advice you guys have given.

I can`t emagine that the 82 SD would be any different than my 84 SD.
Did MB do some kind of a mfg. up grade after 82?

If so, would it be cost effective to maybe up grade to a newer 126 rear
end assembly?

I saw alot of SE, SEL, SD 126`s in the junk yard today.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works