Driveshaft centering bushings ... any magic to removing them? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BodhiBenz1987 · #1 03-25-2010, 06:39 PM

I managed on my 123 last summer, to get those dratted centering bushings out of the driveshaft. I put the shaft in a vice, drilled through the bushing, torched them and then pried them out using an allen wrench through the hole and a pry bar on each side of the bushing. I'm doing it on my 124 right now, and it is no way, no how interested in coming out. I left some penetrating oil in there for overnight so maybe that'll help. I did also try torching today, to no avail. Any neat tips or tricks to this?
I'm so eager to get this driveshaft back in the car now that I have all the parts and a little sunshine. I haven't driven it since December.

compress ignite · #2 03-25-2010, 06:48 PM

so,I can find the forthcoming answer later.

Biodiesel300TD · #3 03-25-2010, 07:05 PM

When I did my 123 I drill a hole like you did and put in a metal rod and drove a wedge in each side between the flange and the rod. Then hammered each wedge in a little at a time. It's came right out.

BodhiBenz1987 · #4 03-25-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biodiesel300TD

When I did my 123 I drill a hole like you did and put in a metal rod and drove a wedge in each side between the flange and the rod. Then hammered each wedge in a little at a time. It's came right out.

Wedges, that's a good idea.

My dad thought up a pickle fork, kinda the same concept I guess. I'll try it tomorrow, if I have time. It's supposed to be my off day, but for some reason my bosses decided I should spend my off days writing columns that I benefit from in no way.

retmil46 · #5 03-25-2010, 08:49 PM

Have you tried calling a tranny shop for advice? My 124 manual is on my old computer, but I'd swear from what I remember that you shouldn't have to resort to those methods to replace the center bearing. My old tranny guy up in NC did the flex discs and center bearing PLUS all the external seals on the tranny in less than a day.

Don't quote me on this, but I seem to remember that you have to undo the coupling between the two halves of the driveshaft. Then, on the part that has the center bearing, the coupling end screws off and the bearing should slide or screw off the driveshaft then.

BodhiBenz1987 · #6 03-25-2010, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retmil46

Have you tried calling a tranny shop for advice? My 124 manual is on my old computer, but I'd swear from what I remember that you shouldn't have to resort to those methods to replace the center bearing. My old tranny guy up in NC did the flex discs and center bearing PLUS all the external seals on the tranny in less than a day.

Don't quote me on this, but I seem to remember that you have to undo the coupling between the two halves of the driveshaft. Then, on the part that has the center bearing, the coupling end screws off and the bearing should slide or screw off the driveshaft then.

I looked at the AllData procedure, which I think is reasonably close to the FSM. It shows two kinds: One had divots in the centering bushings so one can hammer it out of place using a chisel. The other (mine) does not, and it shows the drill and pry method for that. I removed the driveshaft and have it in two pieces ... it looks almost exactly like the 123 driveshaft. I'll reinvestigate tomorrow though.
Just to clarify the terminology (which I may have wrong) ... I have already removed the center bearing that goes between the two pieces of the driveshaft ... that part was pretty easy using a puller tool. I'm talking about the centering bushings, the little cylindrical pieces that go on either end of the driveshaft. They do not have to be replaced with the couplings and center bearing, but I noticed one looked a bit beat up, so I'm replacing them on principle.
here's a picture from last year when I did the 240D:

BodhiBenz1987 · #7 03-29-2010, 04:12 PM

Well, I took the shaft over to my indy and showed it to him, and he couldn't get it out either. He did say if he really, really heated the hell out of it, it would probably come out. But he actually thought the most sensible thing to do would be just put the damn thing back on as is ... the inner part of the bushing isn't damaged, and he didn't think the holes I drilled in it mattered. He said it shouldn't have been replaced in the first place, he never replaces them ... so now I really wish I wasn't dumb enough to open this can of worms. Ugh. I guess I'll just try putting it back on with the holes in the bushing ... he said the worst it would do would be cause a subtle vibration, but he didn't think it would. He was nice about it, and said if I had anymore trouble bring it back and he'd get it out for me. But I feel really mad at myself.
On the bright side, I feel fairly confident in my ability to change the wiper blades on my Jeep ... so I can at least get something right this week.

soothappens · #8 03-29-2010, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

Well, I took the shaft over to my indy and showed it to him, and he couldn't get it out either. He did say if he really, really heated the hell out of it, it would probably come out. But he actually thought the most sensible thing to do would be just put the damn thing back on as is ... the inner part of the bushing isn't damaged, and he didn't think the holes I drilled in it mattered. He said it shouldn't have been replaced in the first place, he never replaces them ... so now I really wish I wasn't dumb enough to open this can of worms. Ugh. I guess I'll just try putting it back on with the holes in the bushing ... he said the worst it would do would be cause a subtle vibration, but he didn't think it would. He was nice about it, and said if I had anymore trouble bring it back and he'd get it out for me. But I feel really mad at myself.
On the bright side, I feel fairly confident in my ability to change the wiper blades on my Jeep ... so I can at least get something right this week.

Your not dumb by any means. Your smarter than the guy wondering if that bushing comes out . Ask your Indy "why" he dosent just replace them......
I bet you already know that answer. Lesson learned .

Failure is the tuition for success . You fail enough you wind a pro then, patches, plaques ........

21 years of mechanics and still learning !! See my signature quotes for a quick reference. Theres Not enough bandwidth for details!!

Hang in there !!!!

BodhiBenz1987 · #9 03-29-2010, 11:57 PM

Thanks soot.

I guess it wasn't the silliest mistake to make, since the FSM does describe a procedure to get these things out ... I just didn't know it was a very rarely-needed procedure. I just keep kicking myself because this job would be long-since done if I'd just put the shaft with its perfectly good old bushing back on. But like you said, it's a lesson.

And hopefully it'll go back on OK and not give me any weird vibrations. We'll see ... I really can't wait to get this thing back on the road!