Axle Shafts Reversible? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ssorange · #1 11-19-2009, 02:13 AM

Hi all and thanks ahead of time!

I have a w201 and one of my CV joints is making noise. I plan to remove and rebuild it, or at least check it for lubrication and add lubrication. I've been told that I should SWAP SIDES of the half-shafts. That is, put the one on the drivers side onto the passenger side and visa versa. In this way the force is applied to a different, as yet unused portion of the CV joint. Does this sound reasonable to anyone or is it a bad idea?

Also, what type/brand of lube/grease do you recommend?

Thanks again!

ssorange · #2 11-30-2009, 04:13 PM

bump

MattBelliveau · #3 11-30-2009, 04:31 PM

I've always heard to swap them in 100k intervals, for even wear. This is assuming they're in good shape, and not leaking or anything (you mentioned you were going to rebuild them).

barry123400 · #4 11-30-2009, 04:54 PM

Good practice to follow.

Whiskeydan · #5 11-30-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry123400

Good practice to follow.

Not always.

#6 11-30-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBelliveau

I've always heard to swap them in 100k intervals, for even wear. This is assuming they're in good shape, and not leaking or anything (you mentioned you were going to rebuild them).

If I'm going to spend the time/money required to remove them, I'm not about to reinstall used ones. The time to R&R them is worth more than the parts.

Jeremy5848 · #7 11-30-2009, 06:28 PM

Mercedes uses some sort of oil in the CV joints; most of the boot kits I have seen use grease. Rebuilding a CV joint is not something that I have heard to be a DIY job although just replacing the boot has been well documented here (use the search function).

If your CV joint is already making noise, just adding lubricant probably will be only a temporary measure. You can get along with a noisy joint for thousands of miles but eventually you will need a replacement.

Most folks (including myself) replace the half-shafts with rebuilt units; supposedly new made-in-China axles have also been showing up. IMHO, only name-brand rebuilders such as CVJ in Denver can be trusted to do a good job. Some forum members have had good luck with cheapo rebuilds from discount auto parts stores but others have not been so fortunate, lifetime warranty notwithstanding. The time it takes to R&R is not worth the few dollars you save.

Unless you are really strapped for cash, I advise replacing both axles at the same time, so that there is nothing to swap left-right. If you are just replacing the lubricant and fixing a leaky boot, you could do the swap but I really don't see the need. The only problem I've ever read involving Mercedes rear half-shafts is that the rubber boot cracks and splits open after 20 years or so. Then the lubricant leaks out, dirt gets in, and the joint is damaged. I have never read of a case where a CV joint failed due to anything else. (Doesn't mean it can't happen but would seem to be very rare and we have people on this forum with hundreds of thousands of miles on their cars.)

Jeremy

ssorange · #8 11-30-2009, 09:10 PM

Thanks for the info!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

Mercedes uses some sort of oil in the CV joints; most of the boot kits I have seen use grease. Rebuilding a CV joint is not something that I have heard to be a DIY job although just replacing the boot has been well documented here (use the search function).

This oil, is it available and affordable from the Mercedes dealers? Is there an OEM part number for the oil and/or boot kit?

Quote:

If your CV joint is already making noise, just adding lubricant probably will be only a temporary measure. You can get along with a noisy joint for thousands of miles but eventually you will need a replacement.

It HAS started to make noise, but only when it gets hot. So I figured the oil must have leaked out.

Quote:

Most folks (including myself) replace the half-shafts with rebuilt units; supposedly new made-in-China axles have also been showing up. IMHO, only name-brand rebuilders such as CVJ in Denver can be trusted to do a good job. Some forum members have had good luck with cheapo rebuilds from discount auto parts stores but others have not been so fortunate, lifetime warranty notwithstanding. The time it takes to R&R is not worth the few dollars you save.

I saw that German Star has new ones for about $260 each side, I wonder if those are Chinese. I have had too many bad experiences with Chinese made products to trust them in my vehicles.

Quote:

If you are just replacing the lubricant and fixing a leaky boot, you could do the swap but I really don't see the need. The only problem I've ever read involving Mercedes rear half-shafts is that the rubber boot cracks and splits open after 20 years or so. Then the lubricant leaks out, dirt gets in, and the joint is damaged. I have never read of a case where a CV joint failed due to anything else. (Doesn't mean it can't happen but would seem to be very rare and we have people on this forum with hundreds of thousands of miles on their cars.)

Yes, I put it up on the rack today expecting to see a torn boot and grease everywhere, but no tear!?! All four boots are still in tacked. I also check the flex disks and they are like new. I did notice that the propeller shaft slip yoke boot is missing.

Quote:

I have never read of a case where a CV joint failed due to anything else. (Doesn't mean it can't happen but would seem to be very rare and we have people on this forum with hundreds of thousands of miles on their cars.)

Well that figures, if it weren't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all!