GSK Axles - NOT WORTH IT, no matter how low the price - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

eyeguy · #31 10-01-2009, 09:06 PM

I purchased axles from Napa 2 years ago (they looked like the GSP axle in the picture), and I had the same thing happen on one of them where it separated like that when I was making a left turn. I returned them and ordered some from CVJ and haven't had any problems since.

tobybul · #32 10-01-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cook

Tobybul...

Please give us details about how you slid the boot down the funnel.

Is your red funnel just a reglar ol' plastic funnel?

I tried the Dorman Flexx boots. Got one on, never could get the second one, it ripped up. I don't recall if I used Pledge or not. I may have used something like ArmorAll. It felt pretty slick.

The cone came from Astoria Flexx Boot. I did used the Flexx boots first but I did not like its fit plus I punctured it when I was reinstalling the axles because it had too much excess rubber. They were also softer than the Dormans. So I went to AZ and got the Dormans. They were slightly tougher to get thru the cone but very doable. It helps to soak the boot and the cone in hot tap water just before shoving them thru. It makes the boot more pliable. Spray the boot and the cone with pledge (astoria's recommendation). Hold the boot with a rag so its not slippery on your fingers.

Also, the OE lubrication is gear oil - not grease. I used Valvoline semi syn gear oil.

There is also a thread on this when I did it with more pics. ....

Flexx Boot Axle Repair Using Cone

Mark DiSilvestro · #33 10-01-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

The cone came from Astoria Flexx Boot. I did used the Flexx boots first but I did not like its fit plus I punctured it when I was reinstalling the axles because it had too much excess rubber. They were also softer than the Dormans. So I went to AZ and got the Dormans. They were slightly tougher to get thru the cone but very doable. It helps to soak the boot and the cone in hot tap water just before shoving them thru. It makes the boot more pliable. Spray the boot and the cone with pledge (astoria's recommendation). Hold the boot with a rag so its not slippery with your fingers.

Also, the OE lubrication is gear oil - not grease. I used Valvoline semi syn gear oil.

There is also a thread on this when I did it with more pics. ....

Flexx Boot Axle Repair Using Cone

I didn't try to get the Astoria cone and Flexboots after reading about your experience.
Will Astoria sell their cone without buying their Flexboots? I quit trying to force the Dorman boot over the tranny-funnel because I wanted to still be able to return them.
But I have another W123 that may need boots someday soon. So if I could get a more suitable cone, I might try again.
Too bad these axles can't be cut apart and then spliced back together somehow.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Mark DiSilvestro · #34 10-01-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeguy

I purchased axles from Napa 2 years ago (they looked like the GSP axle in the picture), and I had the same thing happen on one of them where it separated like that when I was making a left turn. I returned them and ordered some from CVJ and haven't had any problems since.

Are these GSP axles the cheap, new Chinese ones like I've seen for sale on some online sites? I think Fastlane listed these new axles that were cheaper than their rebuilts. And a local import parts store had them for $110.

Happy Motoring, Mark

tobybul · #35 10-02-2009, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

I didn't try to get the Astoria cone and Flexboots after reading about your experience.
Will Astoria sell their cone without buying their Flexboots? I quit trying to force the Dorman boot over the tranny-funnel because I wanted to still be able to return them.
But I have another W123 that may need boots someday soon. So if I could get a more suitable cone, I might try again.
Too bad these axles can't be cut apart and then spliced back together somehow.

Happy Motoring, Mark

can't say if he will sell you the cone separately but I would think so since it is priced separately. It was about $20 IIRC. I could loan you the tool but for $20 or less you might as well get one for yourself by the time you send me a deposit and me packaging it I don't think its worth the trouble.

rs899 · #36 10-02-2009, 07:29 AM

I don't think there is anything magic about Astoria's cone (except the markup). I used a tranny funnel and it worked OK. I was too cheap to go out and buy Pledge just for that purpose, but if that's what it takes, I will buy it for the next ones.

I tried STP, liquid laundry detergent (both bad) and finally spray silicone which worked, I guess. I heated my boots with a heat gun on low. The technique probably could use some more experimentation to make it more repeatable/pridictable.

Rick

Mark DiSilvestro · #37 10-02-2009, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

I don't think there is anything magic about Astoria's cone (except the markup). I used a tranny funnel and it worked OK. I was too cheap to go out and buy Pledge just for that purpose, but if that's what it takes, I will buy it for the next ones.

I tried STP, liquid laundry detergent (both bad) and finally spray silicone which worked, I guess. I heated my boots with a heat gun on low. The technique probably could use some more experimentation to make it more repeatable/pridictable.

Rick

First I spent an afternoon repairing a curbside-discarded B&D Workmate 400 that I've had laying around for awhile. Replaced the crumbled particle-board top-sections with some new 2x6 lumber, slightly modified to supppport an axle.
Then I used a long tapered tranny-funnel, after trimming all the flash and sharp edges with a razor-blade. Put the boot in a pot of hot water, but it seemed to cool while I was handling it. (Didn't think about a heat-gun)
I tried Pledge but it didn't seem to work that well. (Maybe I had the wrong flavor - there's several different Pledges availible)
Then 90-wt gear oil, which was plenty slippery, but the boot kept slipping back and I wasn't certain the boot would ever get past the top of the funnel without splitting or snagging on the inner cup of the joint. So I quit before I had to add the cost of a wasted boot to my axle replacement.
At least I now have a useable Workmate!

Happy Motoring, Mark

rs899 · #38 10-02-2009, 09:32 AM

Those Dorman boots are plenty tough. The first one went fairly well, but the second got hung up with the small end stretched on the funnel only about two inches from the bottom. Had help from my wife, but we couldn't get it to slide. It stayed stretched like that for about an hour until I took a flexible putty knife and sort of bent it so it contacted the top of the boot the width of the putty knife and pushed the boot around and down until it finally popped off. Lubrication seems to be the big issue- got to get it to slide- fast.

What's the best stuff to use- how about ky jelly or astroglide?

Actually..I have some Ruuglide (tire changing lubricant) but didn't even think of that. I wonder if that would work? Might work on the boot but melt the funnel. If I could get a metal funnel.....

Rick

Diesel911 · #39 10-02-2009, 11:56 AM

I made a suggestion in that past that no one has tried ore even took seriously.
When you are using one of the Cone type tools to expand the Boot shove one leg of some strong Panty Hoes completely through the Boot. Insert the Cone inside of the leg of the Panty Holes and pull on the Panty Hose while putting some pressure on the Boot itself to pull it onto the Axle.

I have never tried the above (I replaced my Axles with rebuilts ones not long after I bought my Car) but I think that unless the Panty Hoes get hooked on some part of the Plastic Cone that it should work with out any lubrication.

This is what I think will happen: You pull on the Panty Hoes; Panty Hoes slide over the Cone but grips the Rubber Boot and pulls the Rubber Boot with it. As the Rubber Boot Stretches it grips the Panty Hose harder and the Panty Hose will also stretch.
I think it would help prevent the Boot from ripping as you will not be pulling on the Boot iteself.

Who is willing to try and give some feedback on the above?

rs899 · #40 10-02-2009, 12:18 PM

I don't know about the pantyhose deal. I think it will just dig into the plastic funnel. Doesn't sound like you have tried any of this fun stuff yourself. That boot is reaaaaly tight and is clamping on the funnel for all it's worth. Maybe if there were a slick stainless steel version of the funnel...?

Rick

tobybul · #41 10-02-2009, 07:38 PM

I didn't say it will be a walk in the park... I got the 1st Dorman thru by myself after 3 tries. But I had to get my son's help on the second one as I was pretty much winded after the 1st one.

The key is to shove it thru fast but thats easier said than done. And again - soaking it in hot tap water for a few minutes b4 installing it really helps.

I also wear latex gloves and use a rag to hold the boots to get a good grip.

Look at the pictures. It was done!!

Diesel911 · #42 10-02-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

I don't know about the pantyhose deal. I think it will just dig into the plastic funnel. Doesn't sound like you have tried any of this fun stuff yourself. That boot is reaaaaly tight and is clamping on the funnel for all it's worth. Maybe if there were a slick stainless steel version of the funnel...?

Rick

I had already installed rebuilt Axles before that ATF Funnel Video came up on the Forum. So I have not tried it myself. But, I have been reading and paying attention to what others who have been doing the job have been saying.

I would have to buy a Boot that I do not need just to try it. And, I really do not feel like pulling one of my so far good Axles off to do it. (Th used ones were sent back as cores.)

I though that it would be easy enough for someone who actually has to do the job to try it. I do not think there is any risk involved.

Theory:
Lubrication seems to be one of the Issues in getting the Boot over the Cone or Funnel. If the Boot grips the Funnel/Cone there is problems.

I am guessing that unless there is something for the Panty Hoes to snag on it will keep ther rubber off of the Funnel/Cone and it will slide because of no rubber contact.

I also believe it would be possible to pull at least mostly on the Panty Hoes in stead of the boot.

DeliveryValve · #43 10-03-2009, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

....
I also believe it would be possible to pull at least mostly on the Panty Hoes in stead of the boot.

I totally get this idea. There's a trick that I sometimes do to impress my new guests at dinner parties. When we finish off a bottle of wine, I put the cork back in and push it through the bottle. I then take a bet that I can get the cork out without breaking the bottle or without any tools other then what's on the dinner table. I take a cloth table napkin from table, fold it into a triangle and roll it a bit to make a tube. I then put a pointy end inside the bottle and jiggle the cork into the napkin. What happens is the napkin acts like a sleeve keeper and allows the cork to slide through the bottle neck as I pull the napkin out.

Wows them everytime!

I can imagine that this idea would work on the same principle. Except, I would guess the nylons would rip under load and would use some sort of cloth instead.

.
.

Diesel911 · #44 10-03-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliveryValve

I totally get this idea. There's a trick that I sometimes do to impress my new guests at dinner parties. When we finish off a bottle of wine, I put the cork back in and push it through the bottle. I then take a bet that I can get the cork out without breaking the bottle or without any tools other then what's on the dinner table. I take a cloth table napkin from table, fold it into a triangle and roll it a bit to make a tube. I then put a pointy end inside the bottle and jiggle the cork into the napkin. What happens is the napkin acts like a sleeve keeper and allows the cork to slide through the bottle neck as I pull the napkin out.

Wows them everytime!

I can imagine that this idea would work on the same principle. Except, I would guess the nylons would rip under load and would use some sort of cloth instead.

.
.

Well I have been suggesting that someone try it to find out for sure.
My thought on the use of Panty Hoes was that they would stretch along with the boot.
I guess there might be some way to rap cloth so it would do the same thing.

The reason I thought of Panty Hoes is that the Army had a paper called the Stars and Stripes.
They had a story where a Fan Belt Broke on one of the Army Trucks and the Driver ask a German Girl for her Panty Hoes; got them and used them for a Fan Belt and drove the Truck back to the his Base.

This is why I thought that the Panty Hoes would be strong enough.
Also I should be easy enough to get some from your favorite Female as the get snagged an get a run in them but are otherwise in good condition.

After that there is 99 cent stores as a source.

I may be spelling Hoes wrong?

I found the DIY on rplacing your Fan Belt with Panty Hoes, a vid clip:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Replace-Fanbelt-with-Pantyhose!/

DeliveryValve · #45 10-03-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

....

I may be spelling Hoes wrong?

I found the DIY on rplacing your Fan Belt with Panty Hoes, a vid clip:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Replace-Fanbelt-with-Pantyhose!/

Yes that is the ghetto spelling for female paid um.. escorts.

I know this is OT but, I prefer shoe strings in emergency situations.
Post #23
can I drive 10 miles without belts?

.