Highway driving yesterday when I hear a thwap thwap thwap coming from the rear. Had been waiting for that to happen... Replaced the other rear axle about 3 years ago only that one went during a 600 mile road trip and was actually binding and popping.

So I see that the outer boot (closest to the wheel) has a small tear in it and has spun its oil all over the underside as they tend to do. I had a tube of CV grease handy and shot as much as I could in there so I could drive the 50 miles home. Killed the noise, smooth operation, etc.

QUESTION: is it possible to reboot the outer boot without removing the axle?
All my "working under the car stuff" is 600 miles north at my mom's place, which is where I tend to do jobs that require more space than a slanted driveway in Los Angeles.

I know there have been a few who've tried a split boot... Just need a short term solution until I can eventually drive north to replace the axle (if required), and in the meantime, not destroy the joint.

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1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

Since you just need a temp fix, I suggest wrapping it w/ self-fusing silicone tape ($7 Ace Hardware, etc).

I recently put a split boot on my FWD minivan, the type you glue. It turned out being a chore and almost would have been easier to pull the axle out and use a solid boot, though that requires unbolting lower ball joint stud to pull spindle out. The hardest part was securing the ends. Being on the car made that tougher. I couldn't get the ones in the kit to stay tight and one broke. I ended up using a smooth hose clamp on the small side and a nylon tie on the large side.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

Thanks Bill -I injected the axle with one more shot of grease and wrapped it with gorilla tape. Swapping an axle is the least enjoyable job I've done... really reluctant to do it again.
Would love to find a split boot that worked = /

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1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

This is what is in my notes can't vouch for any of them as I have never don't I myself.

Thread with Split Boot Part Number mentioned in it.
Axle failure...repairable or not?



Split Boot For Mercedes from Rock Auto
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td/1550306-axle-boot-split.html

SPLIT AXLE BOOTS
Here is some stuff from My notes:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123...oot-split.html
Apparently the Clam in the above thread is that the Universal Split Boot at the below would work but no one has verified that.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123...oot-split.html
RAYBESTOS Part # 8161036 {#8161020, 8161030} Professional Grade
Rear Outer; Universal Split Boot.
I am not sure why it would only be considered for the Outer Boot only???

Hear is another from My Notes
Someone said: Split boot fits models into the early 1970s
Mercedes Axle Boot - CRP 1103570391 | FCP Euro No one has ever claimed to have used it.

Split Boot For Mercedes from Rock Auto
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td/1550306-axle-boot-split.html

Split boot fits models into the early 1970s
http://www.*******.com/products/mercedes-axle-boot-1103570391

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Where in LA are you at?

Check out this place: https://urdreamgarage.com/

They can provide you with a lift and all the tools you need to swap the axles out.

The job isn't hard but the first time I did it it took me 3 days. Second time , a whole day.

When my boots tore, I filled it with heavy grease and wrapped it on duck tape. It held surprisingly well until I was due to do the repair. Probably about 3k worth of driving.

Edit: dick tape. Egad, I hate phone autocorrect!

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-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.

Treasure trove... thank you. Think what I'll likely end up doing is keeping it filled with grease a few weeks until I can take it apart.

That's very encouraging. I'm in the Silverlake area and know about that garage, but thank you.

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1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

I ran around at least 2k miles on split boots with dry joints and only got mild knocking. You will be fine.

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

Apologies for my egregious typos. They need to hurry up and release the fxtec pro so I can stop typing on touch screen keyboards.

I'm up in North Hollywood. You know, I know that feel not having the right tools and a repair on the horizon. I'd be happy to stop over some weekend to loan some of the heavier equipment like a floor jack, jack stands, and ramps with a proper deposit of course. The smaller bits can be purchased at harbor freight.

Let me know, I can be down there in no time.

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-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.

That's a really kind of offer. I might just shoot you a pm.

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1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

And on this note. Any of the aftermarket/part shop axles preferable?

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1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

This place is well known for quality rebuilds.

When I first got my Car I installed Cardone Rebuilt axles and most of the regular chain stores seem to carry them. I can't remember if it was 5 or 6 years later the Boots started to get small exterior cracks at which time I re-booted them myself. However, they had a lifetime warranty and I could have gotten an exchange set.
Note that other then the boots there is no other issues with the Cardone Rebuilt Axles and the used to be reasonably priced.

Between the time I bought them it went from Chiefs Auto parts to Kreagens Auto parts to Oreilly's Auto parts. And I had not found the paperwork in them so I just rebooted them and I was curious to do the job anyway.

Not the Chinese and I can't remember if it is GKN or GNK but they were selling brand new Axles at around $400 each.

After that there is many Asian aftermarket axles. I will let you research those.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I forgot to comment that the Astoria pneumatic Flex Guns and the various cone type tools for stretching the boots are supposed to be able to do it on the Vehicle. Since the tools are sold to do that some shops must do it but no one I remember has reported any shops doing that.

I am guessing that shops don't like to change the Boots on the Vehicle because then they are stuck warranting the job and the after market axles are cheap. If a shop installs an aftermarket axle and the axle goes sour the axle can be exchanged but I am not sure who warrants the labor.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I jus purchased the DSS annular axle from pelican... Not a bad price. My indie suggested going annular. Anyone have experience with that particular axle?

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1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

On the after Market annular people have had the blots that go through the annular joint come loose. It dose not happen to all of them so no way to predict.

People have removed the bolts one at a time and degreased the threads and used Loctite. Does that void warranties? I don't know. Then are the bolts on the after market axles torqued to the same spc as the Mercedes ones?

All of the aftermarket axles have occasionally had issues with the stock axle spacers (be sure to keep your old ones) fitting.

All of the above is covered:

Repair Links
Fast navigation http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/146034-fast-navigation-do-yourself-links.html

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Mine started to come undone, but I think that was my fault because I had disconnected them out of curiosity to see what an annular axle looks like on the inside.

I just tightened and keep checking them during oil changes.

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-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.