Greetings,

I have a 1990 300D (w124). I've just jacked it up and removed the driveshaft, etc so I could replace both flex disks, the center bearing and the transmission mount. I took the front half of the drive-shaft to the machine shop to have the old center bearing pressed off ($5 - 25 ton press).

The machinist told me my U-joint is shot & that he can't remove it. He gave me the number of a drive-shaft specialist. I called them and them said it can't be replaced & I need to buy a new drive-shaft.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

There are a few places throughout the country that specialize in MBZ and BMW driveshafts. They can replace the u-joint and then balance the driveshaft as one unit. I know of at least two called "Driveline Services" one in Portland, OR and the other in Atlanta, GA.

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Don't Chrome them; polish them

Yep. I just spoke with the company in Portland. I've also been dealing with a company out of LA. They both need me to send them the core and then they'll machine it.

About $375 and no car for 10 days.

Yikes!!!

Sounds about right.

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Jim

One of our members replaced one recently. There was a thread about it.
Maybe they will tune in.
It may have been for a 123 though.
It is doable if you have some basic fitting skills.
The cups can be removed by using a dremil to grind the holding burs off.
Refitting requires a little precision & good micrometer skills. Balancing can be an issue if the fitting is not right.
If you are a back yard DIY then probably best left to a shop.

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

DIY info on the thread...
Drive Shaft U-Joint Is Staked/Crimped In Place, Now What To Do?

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I appreciate the info.

But I'm not either sufficiently skilled nor equipped to do the job correctly.

I'm sending the shaft off tomorrow.

I'll have to make do with my friends w140 s320 until it returns.

Thanks for the responses.

What are they charging you?

See post #3.

I'm driving to the shop within the hour.

Mine was a different year and model and my U-jont was stiff enough it would not hinge on its weight.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I've never seen a mb u joint fail. Certainly not a reason to not remove the carrier bearing. All you need is a removal tool rented from any autozoo for free. I think you got a bad diagnosis.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

I'm not sure why you say that.

The u-joint was clearly bad.

But your entitled to your opinion.