240d - loud noise from left, rear side
 

I just got a 1982 240d with 230k miles on it. Its been running fine the last month but all of sudden it started making a really loud noise from the left, rear side of the vehicle.

The noise doesn't happen when I first get in the car and start, but only after its warmed up a bit. Also, the noise goes away as soon as I let off the gas or engage the clutch.

I crawled under the car and looked around and saw a couple of seals busted. I'm guessing its the rear differential seals but I'm not positive. I'd image when the seals bust the oil in the rear differential leaked out and that's what was causing the noise, but I'm not sure if that's the case or if there is any other damage that has occurred.

I snapped a couple of pictures and I'm hoping someone can help identify them for me and if replacing the seals and topping off the oil should be enough to fix this problem.


Image 1: http://i.imgur.com/lMu3a.jpg
Image 2: http://i.imgur.com/QiVTi.jpg

Wow. Your CV boot is TOAST. That axle will need to be replaced. I bet the other side is probably in bad shape as well...

both sides
 

yeah, the other side was almost as bad =/

wow that's impressive

Uhmmm I guess it is too late to save your CV axles but just in case I recommend not to drive any further on them.

PM vstech and see if he can help.

Thanks for the info. I don't have time to make the repairs myself so I'll tow it into a shop. Now I just need to call around and get some prices.

You can replace with new of course, I think about $500.00 per axle or rebuilt exchange from AutoZone and other parts stores for about $100.00 each exchange.

How long would it take you guys to make the swap? I might take a crack at it if it costs too much at a shop.

I would guess the best part of a day for an average DIY mechanic.

I'm guessing you'll need to drain the fluid in the differential and pull out two awkwardly positioned spring clips... But take a photograph of the axles at the diff and we can all tell if you have the "easy" axles or the "hard" ones!

You need RTV sealant to reseal the differential cover, and you are meant to replace the thrust washers at the wheel bearing axle stubs in the trailing arms...

Here is a DIY article showing how to R&R the axles.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123RearAxles

Having a shop replace the axles will cost you $600 per side.

I think these are to worse axles I have seen, and have seen some bad one`s in the Junk Yards.


JMD, where are you located?


Charlie

Oh wow, thanks for that walkthrough link! You guys have been super helpful.

You may be able to find a nice used set in the auto wreckers. If the boots are intact they are probably still okay. Just add some additional lubricant and go.Or drain the original oil and add new.

The chinese axels seem to be hit and miss but are cheap. Personally I would recycle a junk yard pair. It is not about money either.

The original axels were of very good quality. Also remember you will want to put the one that was on the left side of the salvage car onto the right side of yours and the same with the other axel. New areas to wear are established that way.

You may be able to find a nice used set in the auto wreckers. If the boots are intact they are probably still okay. Just add some additional lubricant and go.Or drain the original oil and add new.

The chinese axels seem to be hit and miss but are cheap. Personally I would recycle a junk yard pair. It is not about money either.

The original axels were of very good quality. Also remember you will want to put the one that was on the left side of the salvage car onto the right side of yours and the same with the other axel. New areas to wear are established that way. Even on old axels.

@charmalu I'm in San Diego.

Ok, that a little far for me to run down and give you a hand.
X2 on the JY axles. I have pulled some good used one`s, and some that were new, and then they junked the car. found one under a rusted out old 240 in Portland last year, also had two new flex disks that were not even dusty. $4.95 ea and $25 for the axle. :D

In that link I sent you, the axles at the begining pictures are the Homokenetic type, the all one piece axle.
the replacement axles at end pictures, are the Annular type. the 2 piece.
you will notice the 6 bolts on the differential end. these are easier to R&R. but both work the same and can be mixed.

If you remove some from the JY, as Berry mentioned, just swap sides when you replace them. I keep a bottle of cheap white nail polish in my tool box to mark things.

Charlie