Thanks to all the help and insight you people post here. A couple of weeks ago when rotating the tiresI found a torn axle boot. It must have been recent as the displaced grease was clean and the shaft was not making any noise.

Between the Haynes manual and the posts here, especially the one from MORPHOUS, the removal and reinstall of the axles was a piece of cake. It was satisfying and I learned more about the auto than just the axles. I had both of them 're booted' as the other axle's boots were looking bad and figured while I'm in here....

Removal took about three hours as the first time you do something you're figureing out which wrench, sockets and adapters to use. Reinstall took about two hours. The differential drained about 1.5 quarts, refill was 2 quarts. The rear end seems quieter and smoother. The cost to get all four boots replaced was $215.00.

Thanks all,
thebern

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1982 240D 313,000 (4 speed)
1984 300CD 172,483
1985 German Shepherd Dog -Lacey- R.I.P.11/04/05

Hood Stars, Wrist Crowns and Obsession Dobs

I installed rebuilt 1/2 shafts yesterday in the 300TD. Have to agree - it is a good, straight forward type of job.

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Jim

Congratulations to both you guys. I always heard that was one of the harder DIYer jobs..... Cheers

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Where did you buy the boots from? Do you need special tools to install it? Thanks...

That's something I should do. My boots aren't leaking, but they're all cracked, and I don't even want to poke them for fear they'll tear.

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83 240D four bagger stick diesel 276K

Yes,

R&R boots on MB's requires specialty tools. List is about $1500 plus you need a hydraulic press.

Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E

Before your axle boots start leaking lubricant, you can delay this replacement for quite sometime by spreading Hi-Temp Black RTV sealtant around the cracks thickly. I did this to my left side boot about 40,000 miles ago and it is still holding. Had to add more recently. Jack one side of the the car up and clean all the dirt off with 409 or equiv. Spinning the wheel helps get all the areas. Be careful not to press too hard and make the crack worse. After its dry put the RTV all along the cracks. I think my "layer" was close to 1/16" thick and the cracks were fully covered. You'll need to let it dry overnight. If the lubricant has already started leaking, its too late, your need to replace the boot and lubricant (or buy a replacement axle unit). After its dry, the RTV is somewhat still flexible which makes this solution work.

Even when these cars were almost new, there would be a series of cracks at the "stretched" portions of the axle boots. This is normal. These boots will go forever with such cracking. When they split, then its time to pay attention to them.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Have a great day,

Agreed, don't let visible cracks that are not leaking make you change the boots. My 30 year old car has had crackly boots for as long as i can remember and they are still holding up fine.

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1972 450SL
1982 300D Turbo