I have a 1985 300SD and I noticed the centering bushings are in need of replacement. I am installing new flex discs and center support bearing. How do you remove the old bushings?
How do you press in the new ones?

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1985 300SD

If they are easy, grabbing with a pair of Channelock pliers and turning while pulling will get them out. However, it is likely the alternative method will be required. This means drilling a hole through the bushing, inserting some sort of rod through the hole and then prying. I used a ball-joint separator for the leverage.

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/12253/program/Chassis/41-200.pdf

To insert, tap them in with a 3-4# tack hammer.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Thanks for the info. I will review it tonight. Waiting for parts. UPS Wish I had a super large easy-out... Thought I could twist one inside the busing and pull it out...

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1985 300SD

The Bushing is only pressed in; not threaded in.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Yes, I know that the bushing is press fit, I am just saying that by turning some type of threaded tool into the ID, allowing the tool to bite into the plastic part of the bushing... then yanking it out. the reverse of pressing it into the cavity

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1985 300SD

My comment was not meant to criticize.
It just seems like the Channel Lock idea or some other external gripping would work better; big Vice Grips or a Vice and so on.
Even a Pipe Wrench would surely grip and twist it.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

The method in the FSM is the best. I tried using a slide hammer and got absolutely nowhere. With the holes drilled and appropriate punch inserted and something to pry with, they came right out.

Didn't take a picture when I did mine...sorry.

But here's the image from the FSM

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Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica

Oh, Oh, Oh, I must be a little slow... I did not realize that the bushing was the total external cylinder, surrounded by the "propeller" .

I do not have the replacement parts just yet and thought they were pressed into the metal part, exposed.

Thought it was a tube within a tube...

Yes, I will try the drilling and prying technique!

Thanks for your help folks!

(I see said the blind man, as he picked up his hammer and saw)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did get the center support bearing. It is offset within the housing. Which way does it go on the shaft.

Also, I got a rubber boot for the shaft. But there was not an old one on the car. What does it cover, fore or aft the center bearing...?

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1985 300SD

Hey, don't feel bad! I had the exact same experience when I tried to figure mine out as you can clearly see in the following two posts about a year and a half ago

300td Hidden Driveshaft Seal Question
-and-
300td Hidden Driveshaft Seal Question

It's easy to miss how this piece works.

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Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica

According to the FSM, the inner V-fold points towards the universal joint.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Ok, so I got the bushings out. Waiting for the new ones.

Prior to removing the drive shaft, I painted a stripe so I could re assemble the 2 halves properly, BUT, I later found that the paint stripe does not lne up with the cast marks of the universal joint and the single nub on the front half of the drive shaft assembly. See photo's...

I also, now realize that I put the center support bearing on backwards! Hope I do not damage it when pulling it off. UGH.

Attached Thumbnails

     

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1985 300SD

It is not possible to install the carrier bearing backward.
If the boot is backward on the bearing, usually there is no issue as it flexes more than enough to use as is.
See how it mounts, then decide if it is worth the time / effort.

One of my cars arrived with a backward carrier bearing boot for 150K miles per service records, it was replaced by me because the rubber was failing + bad flex disc's.

.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
https://whunter.carrd.co/

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Thanks for the info on the carrier bearing boot, not really mattering. I will try installing it as is. I think the assembly would get messed up if I try to pry it off now.

What about the position of front and rear halves of the drive shaft? Should I align it with my paint line or with the indicator marks in the u joint and front shaft?

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1985 300SD

Use your marks.

.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
https://whunter.carrd.co/

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/

I was able to remove the carrier bearing assembly and I turned it around, put it on properly.
now I am waiting for the pair of flex discs to show up.
does anyone have step by step instructions on reassmbly?
thanks about the drive shaft alignment thought. I was thinking the same thing, use the painted line.

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1985 300SD