I'm familiar with the removal of the rear axles, but how does one dismantle the axles in order to install the new boots?

It can be done, but with some difficulty. I did one of my axles on my signature car using a very substantial puller to remove the spider. A three-ton arbor press (assisted with a hammer) reinstalled it. However, the difficulty comes in crimping the new can. I almost had it, then discovered the quad ring had slipped out of place. I then did what I should have done in the first place- I sent my axles to CVJ for rebooting and got the same axles back, so I know they would fit OK. I switched them L to R to wear the other side of the components and they work fine.

Failing that, another member here, I believe it's VStech, sells good used axles- a much better choice than a cheap "offshored" reman.

If you want to play, I still have one boot kit for one axle available. This is the real deal, not a flex boot, and it includes the lube. PM me if you're interested.

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'83 300D, 126K miles.

another choice is ordering boots from astoria Flexx 3001's and renting the boot gun, and changing the boots WITHOUT removing the axles from the car!
you can also remove the axles, and clean them out properly, and install them on opposite sides from originally installed to increase their service life.

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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!

This thread is a good one on rebuilding the Annular style axle.
Pg 2 Azitizz has a good DIY.

W123 "Annular" Style Axle Rebuild

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I think everything you need to know is in the DIY section:
DIY section:
DIY Repair Links
DIY Links by Parts Category - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum
PeachPartsWiki: Do It Yourself Articles - Mercedes Vehicles

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

No need to take the short shaft apart, you can use the "long funnel" method. Get a tappered long funnel from a local Wal Mart and slip it over the shaft. Cut the excess portion of the funnel compared to the dia of the shaft. The key point is to submerged the boot in hot water and lube the funnel with oil.

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1984 300D, 1972 LT1 Corvette, 2014 Artic White 3LT/Z51 C7, 2013 650i Convertible BMW, 1994 Kawasaki Vulcan, 1992 Yamaha Seca II and 1996 Dodge Ram 2500.