Shift,THUNK!, Shift, THUNK!, Shift, THUNK! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot · #1 07-15-2012, 08:22 PM

For the last month, on My 1995 E300D, this is what happens. I jacked up the car, crawled under, had a look and Thor was not under there with a hammer but it sounds like he is. "everything" I could see looked okay except for the boots on either side of the differential they are torn. I couldn't get a look at the 'U' joints, if there are any, the rear flex disk looked fine. The heat shield is in the way of seeing the entire drive-shaft.
There are 220,000 miles on this car any suggestions?
Is there a split boot kit that doesn't require taking the entire rear end and or axles out to replace?

vstech · #2 07-15-2012, 08:37 PM

it could be the rear diff bushings, or the axles.

the axles unbolt from the diff, and there is a nut on the hub end, take it apart, and out comes the axle.
you will need a 12mm tripple square/xzn bit for the diff end bolts, and a 12 point 27mm I think deep socket to get the hub end nut.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot · #3 07-15-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

it could be the rear diff bushings, or the axles.

The axles unbolt from the diff, and there is a nut on the hub end, take it apart, and out comes the axle.
you will need a 12mm tripple square/xzn bit for the diff end bolts, and a 12 point 27mm I think deep socket to get the hub end nut.

Thanks, are there photos of someone doing this job here? If it's the axles should I be able to feel some play? Car is still jacked up so I can rotate the rear wheels. anything I can check to help diagnose?

If it is the Differential bushings is that a special tool, expensive nightmare?

Shortsguy1 · #4 07-15-2012, 10:07 PM

Is a triple square/xzn bit the same as a torx bit? I googled it, and they appear similar, but I figure better to ask. Thanks.

torsionbar · #5 07-15-2012, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shortsguy1

Is a triple square/xzn bit the same as a torx bit? I googled it, and they appear similar, but I figure better to ask. Thanks.

no it's completely different. don't attempt to use a torx driver on an xzn fastener either, or you'll strip it out and have to drill it out. ever tried drilling out a grade 12.9 cv bolt? it ain't easy...