I have a 72 220D with rear rubber axle boots that are dry rotted and coming apart. Can the boots be replaced without having to remove the axle and rebuilding it? I've seen 2-piece boots but not sure if they fit a 220D.

Thanks

Most of the Axle info is for W123s so I don't know if some of the below will apply or not.

The original Axles used Oil inside to lube the Axle joints. that is not compitable with any sort of split Axle Boots. You would have to switch over to CV Joint Grease.

I don't know if the below would apply to your 1972 vehicle.
AXLE Boot Threads
Axle Boot threads - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum
AXLE Boot Split Axle Boot from my notes someone elses info which I believe is for a W123.
"Okay I looked today to refresh my memory I replaced both my inner joints with the speedi-boot 03606 (the reason 03606 is not in their catalog anymore is because it's been replaced by 03608) it is a boot that is bolted together I have never used any that are glued I have had very good results with the bolted ones use them on a variety of cars. What you have to do 1st off is measure the axle diameter on both ends you have to cover and find one that exactly or closely fits. The m.b. inner joint measures 70mm×26mm the 03606 measures 75mm×24mm so you see it was a little big on one end and little small on other I made it fit and both are holding up couple of yrs. now. I used grease inside. Maybe if enough people would write the company dorman they would start making an exact fit for the m.b.s as Im sure they would sell a lot of them with all these old cars on the road yet. I m sure not everyone would not like the repair I made that is your choice it worked for me and saved me a lot in time and money. The main thing with the axle joints is to keep them protected and lubed."

I would start of by finding out if the W123 Boots can be used on your 1972 vehicle by looking up some part numbers and see if they are the same.

If a split boot cannot be used there is no choice; the Axles have to come off.

One person managed to change a boot by only pulling the Axle out of the Hub and not out of the Differential.

Also there is 1 types of axles. Homokinetic and Annular. The Annular axles can be taken apart to slied the stock type boots over them.
On the w123 Homokinetic Axles you would need a hydraulic press to take one end of the axle off to use the stock type Boots.

Either can be rebooted with stretchable generic Boots from Dorman or Astoria Flexx Boot.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel