W123 Rear Axle Drive Slipping Out of Differential
 

Does anybody know how a rear axle drive shaft can slip out of the differential to the point that the spline is showing? I did not think the shaft could come out of the differential unless you removed it from the wheel and removed the clip inside the differential. But it did slip out on me while I was driving.

The clip seems to be missing but I still do not understand how there could be that much play in the rear drive axle shaft to allow the shaft to come out. Thanks, Carolyn.

The axle can expand and contract to compensate for wheel travel in use. Without that clip in the diff, the axle can work its way partly out due to that movement room, and all kinds of bad things can happen.

Id be pulling the diff cover post haste and installing a new clip

Thanks for the good advice! The tools are being pulled out tomorrow!

Ensure that there are the proper shims to eliminate axial travel. Even with the clips, too much axial play would likely cause the clip to pop off.

Be sure to find the remains of the old clip, or you'll also be looking for a ring and pinion change when it finds its way between the gears.

In the Manual it has that the C Clip should go one and there should be no in and out play of the Axle in the Differential.
If you have too much Play there are different thicknesses of Spacers/Shims.

Is this Issue happening with a genuine Mercedes Axle or and Aftermarket Axle?

Although this information is for a W201 differential and annular axles is shows the method =>

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/3311667-post70.html

(Goes directly to a post not the whole thread)

Thank you all! Any ideas where I can buy the circlip needed for the axle?

The classic center can definitely get them, i bought a few from them before, but i think the dealer can probably also source them for you

Never tried a non MB dealer, perhaps pelican can get one too, worth an email

It looks like part # 1159940434

You can get them on the parts site here if you pop that part number in the search box. Or search around elsewhere at your leisure. Popping that number in Google shows lots of places.

I have a few laying around, pm me your address and I send them to you.

THANKS ALL! Uberwasser, I appreciate the part number and have ordered from PeachParts. DeliveryValve, I appreciate your kind offer!

Don't forget to make sure the axle fits snugly - no wobble in the side cogs of the differential with the clip in. You might have to get a different shim from the dealer to make it snug.

Are shims only available at the dealer? I think I may need one myself.

I've only found them at the dealer...