W123 half axles - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #31 01-07-2015, 12:47 AM

Original boots do not stretch, so they cannot be installed without replacing the cans.
Astoria 2000 flexx boot 3001 is the correct boot to use with the pneumatic tool

compress ignite · #32 01-07-2015, 01:06 AM

Stretch,

1233500410 - Axle assy rear $356.85 EACH (1 per Side,2 per vehicle) O.E. Mercedes No Core Charge.
(Price does not include tax or shipping)

mach4 · #33 01-07-2015, 01:32 AM

I hope no one objects to a brief excursion into the weeds...if so Vstech please delete. Still on the subject of half axles, in fact the same ones as on the 123, I'm wondering if anyone has come across the added devices on my axles - on one of the forums they were referred to as "half balancers" or some such thing. So far no one on the other forum has responded with anything substantive. They are on my '85 380SL, the one with the OM617 engine.

It appears that they just bolt on but on almost all 107s they just have the same setup as the 123. If anyone has any idea what they are, how they work and whether they're needed I'd be most appreciative.

Here's what they look like (pictures from the internet, not my actual car)

MBeige · #34 01-07-2015, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

Stretch,

1233500410 - Axle assy rear $356.85 EACH (1 per Side,2 per vehicle) O.E. Mercedes No Core Charge.

$523.00 through this site using above p/n. Where did you get that $356.85 number?

I purchased a set of GKN's brand new through Amazon, for about $300+ each with free shipping.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

Deltacom · #35 01-07-2015, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

I hope no one objects to a brief excursion into the weeds...if so Vstech please delete. Still on the subject of half axles, in fact the same ones as on the 123, I'm wondering if anyone has come across the added devices on my axles - on one of the forums they were referred to as "half balancers" or some such thing. So far no one on the other forum has responded with anything substantive. They are on my '85 380SL, the one with the OM617 engine.

It appears that they just bolt on but on almost all 107s they just have the same setup as the 123. If anyone has any idea what they are, how they work and whether they're needed I'd be most appreciative.

The balance weights are more of “silencers” than “compensators”.

~ Hope that helps ~

vstech · #36 01-07-2015, 09:24 AM

all 201 axles I have noticed have a weighted flange on them... similar to this, but permanently formed in the stub that goes in the diff. more mass for the diff I guess... preventing a vibration from acceleration/deceleration... ?

mach4 · #37 01-07-2015, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deltacom

The balance weights are more of “silencers” than “compensators”....

~ Hope that helps ~

Definitely does....thanks a bunch!!

Guest987 · #38 01-07-2015, 10:22 AM

On replacing the boots with the oe boots, do you just need the boot kit for the outer end & just the boot for the inner side of the axles? Do you need a special tool to install the new cans with to crimp them on? I, also, was seeing some springs on one of the pic's of the oe boots that was posted some place or other that had torn. I was wanting to know on the Fostoria 2000 boots, if they had the springs in them or not & if not was why you could stretch them on over the cans? I have seen some of the axles posted for 375 + apiece. They look nice, but I feel that is too big a stretch for me!

VA-Merc · #39 01-07-2015, 10:35 AM

I would also vouch for VS Tech's service if new axles are out of the price range for you. He did two for my 300 SD before I sold it and did an excellent job...they looked like they just came out of the factory.

Deltacom · #40 01-07-2015, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebe

On replacing the boots with the oe boots, do you just need the boot kit for the outer end & just the boot for the inner side of the axles? Do you need a special tool to install the new cans with to crimp them on? I, also, was seeing some springs on one of the pic's of the oe boots that was posted some place or other that had torn. I was wanting to know on the Fostoria 2000 boots, if they had the springs in them or not & if not was why you could stretch them on over the cans? I have seen some of the axles posted for 375 + apiece. They look nice, but I feel that is too big a stretch for me!

This is not feasible to the DIYers as there are a number of tools (NLA from MB) required for this operation, some of them costing over $2K (if found!). However there are stretchable boots that can be installed with the use of a plastic cone.

~Hope that helps~.

~*~

Diesel911 · #41 01-07-2015, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattc

Not at all familiar with the mechanics of the axles, but I know my boots are cracking, and I want to do something soon. If, by the time I get to them, they are not ripped, I will probably send them off to 'vstech'.
I was wondering: if there is truly controversy concerning oil or grease, would perhaps a mix of both be considered? Also wondering: are they the same length, both right and left? Would it be feasible/possible/suggested to mark them before I send them off, and swap left to right when I get them back?
As I stated above, I am not familiar with the mechanics of these things, just some rambling thoughts I had.
Thanks to all whom may reply. Matt

Back in 2007 I bought rebuilt axles that were rebuilt by CarDone. 5 years after that I noticed the Boots were cracking but not all the way through.

when I took them apart there was plenty of Grease left inside of the CV Joint although there was also some inside of the Boot. So all of the Grease is not going to migrate out of the CV Joint as some say and in fact the shape of the Cans keep that from happening.
During the 5 Years I had no sounds indicating lack of lubrication.

When I rebooted the Axles I used Dorman Boots (I have a thread on that) and the Dorman Boot Grease Packet is not enough so I had to add More Grease.
I left as much as I could of the original Grease in the Joint and packed more int and also filled most of the Boot. That means that there is neraly no space for the Grease to move to.

A long time ago one of our Members spoke with the famous Col. Axle Rebuilder CVJ and was told CVJ juses Grease on the Mercedes Axles unless you specifically ask for Oil. If that is so remember that the rebuilder CVJ has a good reputation.

I believe from what I have read a lot of People that re-booted their Axles on this Forum and over on Benzworld used Grease with no issues caused by that.

Grease has another advantage because if your Boot gets ripped by something on the Road it is going to maintaing some lubricationg.

So from My own experience and that of others Grease has caused no issues that I have read of.

Diesel911 · #42 01-07-2015, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebe

I would like to ask if you can still purchase the original OE axle boots or not? Also, will the pneumatic boot tool work on them or any of the replacement boots out there. If the original boots last like 30 + years, that would be my replacement choice. I read responses like some of the boots even on the new axles not holding up per se. I am not sure how long I will have or own the car, but I know I wouldn't want to frequent the task of pulling the half-axles. I think, if I was to go back with the liquid lubricant like original, that I would feel more confident with the OE Boots! That is if Mercedes even made them. I noticed checking the parts from time to time, that Pelican Parts don't have an option listed for them. I checked Dorman's URL. They don't even list a boot for the W123's, that I could find.

As the other member said the stock type Boots cannot be stretched.

Another problem with the Stock Type Boots is I cannot remember reading that someone has identified the original maker of the Stock Boots.

My CarDone rebuilt Axles had stock type Boots but they started cracking after 5 Years. There was no makers name on the Boots. Only a number inside B-**. They were likely Chinese Boots but that is a guess.

Then unless you have annular axles you need Hydraulic Press to take the Axlel Apart and you need to remove one of the tapered ends off of the Can in order to get the Axle apart.

You might look back to like 2008 or so and see who used Astoria Flex Boots back then and PM them and see how they are holding up.

I cannot recall once the Astoria Boots were on anyone complaining about them.
A few like Myself used the Dorman Boots but they have not been on the Car long enough to comment on longivity.

vstech · #43 01-07-2015, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebe

On replacing the boots with the oe boots, do you just need the boot kit for the outer end & just the boot for the inner side of the axles? Do you need a special tool to install the new cans with to crimp them on? I, also, was seeing some springs on one of the pic's of the oe boots that was posted some place or other that had torn. I was wanting to know on the Astoria 2000 boots, if they had the springs in them or not & if not was why you could stretch them on over the cans? I have seen some of the axles posted for 375 + apiece. They look nice, but I feel that is too big a stretch for me!

there are no springs in the factory boots, just one or two (depending on which end) steel rings.
when I take out the factory boots, I leave the rings in place, and fit them into the new boots.

compress ignite · #44 01-07-2015, 02:47 PM

Mbeige,

You have PM traffic,inbound

Guest987 · #45 01-07-2015, 09:32 PM

I looked on Dorman's site, and I plugged in my cars identification. I didn't find any boots there listed that fit my car. So, I don't know if they discontinued making the ones that fit it previously or not? I am sure there are some autozones, that possibly still have some on the shelf. I noticed that Pelican Parts lists the Empi Boots. I don't know if they are stretchable boots or not? I submitted a question on them, and I received a lame response back...like they don't know! Their whole axle replacements don't tattle where they are from that I found. What kind of puzzles me is that Pelican Parts doesn't show anything genuine M-B on the half axles or assemblies?? But on the other hand they are getting out of range due to age, and things are just not showing up it seems.