CV Joints '83 300SD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cirrusman · #1 08-10-2010, 03:24 PM

So when I bought the car the CV joints were making this 'clunk' noise every time I back up, now the boots are asking for replacements, which I got, but I don't want to beat on a dead horse with the CVs... Anyone knows a ballpark price for a set of used CVs for this car and if anyone you know has them? I want to know if it's worth it, considering I'm a bit short on cash at the present moment... Many thanks in advance!

cirrusman · #2 08-10-2010, 03:25 PM

I don't know if the CVs are in need of repalcement though... just want to know how much would it cost me if I needed to replace them.

Diesel911 · #3 08-10-2010, 09:43 PM

Did you mean just the Cost of the Complete Axles or the cost of the Axles and to pay someone to remove and install them?

There is a bunch of threads on Axles.
New Made in Asia CV Axles are around $100-$150 for a 123.
I believe the local parts places have rebuilts for around the same prices.
The High End Axle Rebuilder I believe charges $265 per Axle and there is shipping charges involved and also shipping of the cores to them.

In the Advanced Auto Parts web site they have an up to 50% of on parts and accessories but you need to read the details. No advanced Autoparts in my area so for me parts would need to be shipped.

netboy · #4 08-11-2010, 08:50 AM

Call around to your aftermarket parts stores. The cheapest I could find them for was $125 ea.

These are very easy to change. Don't pay anyone, this would be a good confidence builder. I made one of my teens change his out and after alot of apprehension he was amazed at how easy it was when finished 2 hours later. Check the thread for steps. You can do it.

John Schroader · #5 08-11-2010, 09:14 AM

I recently learned that there are two types of CV joints (called homokinetic and annular -- cannot recall which is which). With the original ones, must replace all the way to the differential. With the Chinese replacements, can replace without opening the differential -- easier.

cirrusman · #6 08-11-2010, 12:13 PM

Mine are the Homokinetic kind... I've got the boots, cans and what not, but I was wondering about the price on the axles themselves. $125 doesn't seem that bad. The only issue that I have changing them is that the differential lube filler plug is seized... I think I'll loosen it with coca-cola

Thanks for the replies folks!

Diesel911 · #7 08-11-2010, 12:34 PM

If you bought the Boot kit with the New Cans and such that is quite expensive compared to the cost of an New imported Axle since it takes 2 pre Axle.
But the new imports have had some quality issues.

I do not know which kit you have; some only come with the Cone part of the Can.
Others come with the Cone and the Cylindrical part of the can; in order to replace the cylindrical part of the can you need a hydraulic press.

I had just become a memeber of this forum at the time I replaced my CV Axles with rebuilt ones from what at the time was called Kragens Auto Parts (now Oreilly's Auto Parts) Rebuilt by Car Done. It has been 2.5 years with no problems. But, the price has gone up on them.

I did not see the Boot Replacemen U-tube Video till about 3 months later.

NAPA also sells new and maybe rebuilt CV Axles. The advantage of buying local is you have someone to deal with fact-to-face if you have a problem.

cirrusman · #8 08-11-2010, 01:03 PM

Yeah, I bought the whole kit not knowing that I could just get the boots, stretch them a bit, get them on and go on with my life... I'm doing just that now, I haven't taken the cans apart or anything and I'm not planning on doing so anymore. They sold me a pair of specially shaped pliers to assemble the cans, however, but I just don't see the point on replacing the cans anymore.

Diesel911 · #9 08-11-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cirrusman

Yeah, I bought the whole kit not knowing that I could just get the boots, stretch them a bit, get them on and go on with my life... I'm doing just that now, I haven't taken the cans apart or anything and I'm not planning on doing so anymore. They sold me a pair of specially shaped pliers to assemble the cans, however, but I just don't see the point on replacing the cans anymore.

LOL you reminded me; only the Flexx Boots and similar Dorman Boots are flexiable enough to stretch over the Cans. The Stock type Boots are too thick to be stretched over.
Before I decided to buy the rebuilt Axles I was going to buy the stock type boots not knowing that I needed to press apart the Axle with a Hydraulic Press to install them (I did not have the Factory CD manual at that time either).

okyoureabeast · #10 08-11-2010, 08:56 PM

Does CVJ Axles in Denver still reman our w123 axles?

I spent a $hiton of money on CVJ axles. Almost $275 I believe. There was a core deposit which made the initial payment a lot more expensive, but shipping them back wasn't that bad.

The axles on our cars are pretty heavy too. Shipping was $30.

If you're doing the job yourself, I would pay to get CVJ's axles. They've been great on my car. No complaints.

Here's their website. http://www.cvjaxles.com/MercedesBenz.php

The job was a pain, but I didn't have the right tools and it was my first real DIY repair on my car. If I did it again it would probably take me a day or two.

cirrusman · #11 08-13-2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

LOL you reminded me; only the Flexx Boots and similar Dorman Boots are flexiable enough to stretch over the Cans. The Stock type Boots are too thick to be stretched over.
Before I decided to buy the rebuilt Axles I was going to buy the stock type boots not knowing that I needed to press apart the Axle with a Hydraulic Press to install them (I did not have the Factory CD manual at that time either).

Well, you're right about that, the ones I've got are too thick... I'm going to have to dismantle the whole thing and it looks like it's going to be a long job, judging by the steps on the manual. I think I'll save me some time and get the 4 flexx boots and put the ones I have on ebay... I don't really feel like dismantling and replacing those darn cans. Thanks SO much for the idea!