Sooner or later one of your axle boots will fail, and you will need to make decisions...

Theoretically most MB axles have removable joints.

However:
I have experienced too many that refused to come apart without enough (violence) force application for damage - destruction.

When this happens, there are three choices:
#A1. If cost is little or no issue, Buy a NEW axle (MB or other brands).
#A2. If cost or health/stress is an issue, Buy a rebuilt axle.
#A3. If cost is a major issue, or/and you don't have health/stress concerns, Remove, clean, and install new boots.

#B1. New MB axles are NOT cheap, and other after market brands may be unreliable!!!
#B2.After market brand Rebuilt MB axles may be noisy and unreliable!!!
#B3. If your axle is still good, installing new boots is cheap.

Assuming you choose to install new CV axle boots, what are your DIY options???

#D1. Beating the joint off the shaft, hope it separates without wrecking anything.
#D2. Use a funnel - cone, hand stretching the new boot over the joint.
#D3. Rent or buy a Pneumatic CV axle boot installation tool.


My professional opinion:
A Pneumatic CV axle boot installation tool is the easiest - fastest method of installing these boots, and with a bit of skill it can be done without removing the axle from the differential. Note: I have owned several of these tools.
Special note: Warming the boot before stretching can be critical when the ambient temperature is below 70° F, my suggestion is a small crock pot and/or heat gun.


Axle Boot replacement threads:

Flexx Boot Axle Repair Using Cone
Flexx Boot Axle Repair Using Cone - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

axel CV boot made easy
axel CV boot made easy - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

GSK Axles - NOT WORTH IT, no matter how low the price
GSK Axles - NOT WORTH IT, no matter how low the price - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Ruptured axle boot, W123 wagon
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=2474096

W123 A How to, replacing rear axles.
W123 A How to, replacing rear axles. - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Has Anyone actually tried this CV Axle Boot Replacement
Has Anyone actually tried this CV Axle Boot Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Rear Axle Removal Question
Rear Axle Removal Question - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Re-boot axle adventures
Re-boot axle adventures - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

W123 axle R&R job--some questions?
W123 axle R&R job--some questions? - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Astoria Flexx Boots
Astoria Flexx Boots - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Astoria Flexx Boots video
Astoria Flexx Boots video - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Rear Axle Boots without Flexx Gun
Rear Axle Boots without Flexx Gun - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Has Anyone Used: Doorman Uni-Fit CV Boot Air Tool
Has Anyone Used: Doorman Uni-Fit CV Boot Air Tool - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Rear Axel replacement.
Rear Axel replacement. - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

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