In the past, the rubber boots on the rear axle drive shafts would crack and I would have to buy new ones and install them (hassle). Now, approximately once a month, I spray Mothers Protectant for Rubber and Vinyl on them (front and back - the back is not easy to get to) and so far this maintenance idea seems to be working well.

Seems like a good idea.....anybody have a thought on this?????????

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Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership

being the OCD that I am - I spray 303 on them every 2 months. no difference yet, still the same surface cracks. Dunno maybe time will tell.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

I don't think any protectant will fix the cracks... however, I don't think they will hurt anything, and may prolong the rubber somewhat.

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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 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I was not expecting filling the cracks - they have not got worse.. They do look very nice with the black rubbery shine rather than the dusty muddy pile they used to be.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

Might as well hit the frond end bushings and boots while your at it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

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1985 300d smoke silver/red int. (204k) <--Sadie the 80's Mercedes from Hades!
1985 300TD 587 cabernet red/155 Creme (143k)
2007 Ford Expedition EL (54k)

"Seems to me you bought a hobby... not a car" - My dad.

How about some type of spray-on rubber or silicone to seal the cracks from the outside?

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1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

I bet the coating they use for dipping tool handles, I believe it is called Plasti Dip, would help to temporarily extend the life of the boots. Others have mentioned duct tape for this.

Plasti Dip Protective Coating Products | Plasti Dip Protective Coating Products | Rubber Dip Coating

It even comes in colors for a touch of customizing.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I use the 303 on the dash and it really looks great! For some reason I began using the Mother's several years ago on the rear axle boots and they seem to be holding well.