W115 240D: SKF Drive Shafts/ CV Axles: Any Good? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Screwdriva · #1 11-05-2023, 01:25 PM

Greetings!

It's time to replace the drive shafts/ axles on the 240D. I'm keen to avoid Chinese replacements and was saddened to learn Mercedes no longer sells replacements and no one 'across the pond' restores used drive shafts anymore.

Only pragmatic option remaining are aftermarket replacements and the only brand I recognize on below list are SKF. Any experience with SKF replacements? Does a quality alternative exist?

Thanks in advance!

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/drive-shaft-10162/mercedes-benz/8/8-w115/396-240-d-115-117

Sugar Bear · #2 11-05-2023, 01:51 PM

I realize shipping could be $$$$$ but check with CVJ Axles in the US. Have had very good results with their refurbished axles.

Screwdriva · #3 11-05-2023, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

I realize shipping could be $$$$$ but check with CVJ Axles in the US. Have had very good results with their refurbished axles.

That was the plan (CV Source or CVJ) and I even purchased the OE MB kits for rebuilding them.

The problem, as you rightly say, is that the postage would cost me more than replacement axles. I will get the originals rebuilt in time, but for now, I must purchase replacements. And this leads me to my original post.

Sugar Bear · #4 11-05-2023, 04:06 PM

I've not used SKF axles but if they are made by the same SKF that markets bearings I'd be comfortable with them. Never had an issue with their bearings over many years.

Graham · #5 11-06-2023, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screwdriva

Greetings!

It's time to replace the drive shafts/ axles on the 240D. I'm keen to avoid Chinese replacements and was saddened to learn Mercedes no longer sells replacements and no one 'across the pond' restores used drive shafts anymore.

Good idea to avoid the cheap Chinese axles if you intend keeping the car. I bought GSP and they lasted for 5000 miles. Replaced under lifetime warranty but I had to ship the old ones back (C$130!)

We don't see SKF axles here, so can't comment, but the company does have a good name. The Lobro axles that use original GKN parts should be as good as OE. But they do cost a lot more than the SKF. At 448 pounds, about what I could have bought OE axles for here in Canada (C$750)

Screwdriva · #6 11-07-2023, 01:54 PM

Thanks for sharing.

I've had nightmarish experiences with Chinese components in the past and would never install them on my vehicles. It appears that the SKF driveshafts are manufactured in the EU (likely Spain) but this is purely based on the information shared in the

listing.

The cross referenced part #'s for the drive shaft are 1073500410, 1073502710, 1073502810, 1073504310, 1263502410, A1233500410 which appear to match with the W115 240d.

Screwdriva · #7 11-13-2023, 07:25 AM

SKF replacement compared to the OE MB drive shaft. Confirmed as Made in Spain.

Graham · #8 11-13-2023, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screwdriva

SKF replacement compared to the OE MB drive shaft. Confirmed as Made in Spain.

Those look good - Hope they work out for you.

There is a 'new' Chinese axle being sold quite widely here now. Will be interesting to hear how they work out. Prices compare with GSP.
https://www.trakmotive.com/

What I learned the hard way, was that although Rock are a great resource for parts, when it comes to something like this, it would have been much better for me to buy from a local company where the warrantied parts could be easily returned. GSP offered free lifetime replacement, but shipping the failed ones back via Rock was almost as costly as buying replacements.

Screwdriva · #9 11-19-2023, 02:20 PM

The end result. Refurbished the differential and replace the handbrake cable and shoes while we were at it!

greazzer · #10 11-19-2023, 03:11 PM

Hey

Where did you get that finned cover?

Screwdriva · #11 11-19-2023, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greazzer

Hey

Where did you get that finned cover?

Came factory equipped on some 240d/ 300d cars with the 3.67 differential to keep it cooler at highway speeds I believe. I'm sure you'll find one at a junkyard somewhere - they do clean up good!