722.303 output shaft locknut -- socket needed
 

What sort of socket do I need to remove the output shaft locknut on a 722.303? It's a four-point locknut. It appears to be approximately 40 mm diameter / 1 9/16".

There are two types of lock nuts. The older style takes a custom socket like this...

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...ools/M0029.jpg

I've heard of people using a piece of tubing and grinding away areas to get to the pins as shown.

And the newer style nut looks like this and takes a deep socket 30mm 12point

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...t-transnut.jpg

If you have problems finding one, a 1-3/16" deep socket works just fine too. And if you can't find one of those (I couldn't), you can make one out of a standard 1-3/16" socket and just cut the back off and weld on a 15/16" socket, and you're good to go.

http://www.mach4.com/images/stories/380sl/x24.jpg

It's definitely the older style. Any idea where I could buy one?

I did a quick search on this site and came up empty, so you should call, or do a search on ebay for "Pin Wrench Socket Tool".

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1336270944


It would be pretty easy to fabricate one if you had a piece of pipe, a grinder and a welder. You'll only need it once, because you can use the later style when you replace it.

Mercedes Special Tools

Enter 915-0807



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If you don't get one. I have one that I can rent out. PM me. $15.00 shipped and $85 deposit.


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Thank you for the help, guys.

I'm not sure if you can get the 4 pronged nuts anymore so I wouldn't be shelling out for a tool to remove it when you probably will need to replace with the newer 12-point version.

When I took my 722.1 transmission to bits I did this

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/2787565-post9.html

The transmission was out of the car - which makes it a bit easier...

It's easier to start with a deep socket that is the proper diameter, then grind off bits of the end to leave behind "pins." That way you don't have to do any welding. More "driveway friendly" for those without a full complement of tools.

If you are careful you can take a hammer and punch and loosen that nut then discard it and get the new type to put it back together with. Don

You might be able to find a useable socket designed for the locknuts on the front hubs of a 4wd. Pep Boys sells a variety of kinds. The one I have for my Suzuki Sidekick looks somewhat similar to that.

I decided to pull the whole transmission from my parts car and swap it into my daily driver.

It's not as ridiculous as it sounds -- my spare trans has 80k fewer miles than the one that is on the fritz.

Plus, you guys are right, I'm not about to spend $80+ for a socket I'm going to use once. And unfortunately I don't have any real fabrication capabilities (once again, the need to learn welding bites me in the butt)...

I just found this thread in a search and wanted to post the part number for the 30mm 12 point nut.

Febi Auto Trans Output Shaft Flange Nut; Rear Transmission Flange/Driveshaft Coupling
P/N: 1239900060

You can remove the old style with a hammer and screw driver. Trash it and buy one of these for less than $3.

pete