W124 TD Axle Shaft Axial Play

[OMMB]

Hello,

I had my wagon on the lift today and was inspecting some things. I noticed that one axle shaft has more axial play than the other. There is no radial play, but when I push it in and out there is a loud clunk as it hits its end. The other shaft also has axial movement, but does not clunk when it stops at the extreme.

I also have a loud noise when I hit abrupt bumps.

I have not found any information on the acceptable axial play of the axle shafts, only on the radial. I would appreciate it if someone could hell me to figure out if this is normal or not.

[Diesel911]

Referring to the rear axles.

Well, I don't have W124 info. On a W123 the spec that when you inert the axle into the differential and insert the C-clip that retains it the clip should go in and out OK and there should be no erectable end play on the axle.

If you have too much end play, there is (or was at one time) spacers/washers of different sizes to take up that play.

On the wheel bearing end of the axle there should be no end play at all where the axle goes into the control arm and wheel bearings. There is a bolt, washer and sleeve setup that controls that and it comes is accessed from outside and to the side of the real wheel hub.

Looks like the W124 hub/wheel bearing end is different. I think there is info here on that.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W124/95-SUSPEN-Axle_Replacement/95-SUSPEN-Axle_Replacement.htm

DIY W124 Rear Wheel Carrier Removal (Rear Wheel Bearing Change)