Hey! Check your rearend! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Warden · #16 12-31-2002, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by samiam4
Please replace the diff side seals while R&R'ing the axles. Also, I believe it is suggested to replace the c-clips that hold the axle in place. They will set you back less than a $1 each.

The case uses a anerobic sealant-no gasket. Some use silicone, or older stuff, but the newer sealants are really nice to work with.

Are the diff side seals readily available? Same with the C-clips? I've got no problem replacing them; I'm a firm believer in preventative maintenance

but if I can't get them before Friday, I won't be able to do them.

Also, I presume that regular RTV will be good enough for the rear cover gasket? Also, would putting teflon tape on the plug threads be a good idea, or just go with anti-seize, or what?

Thanks!

BoostnBenz · #17 01-01-2003, 03:51 AM

I didn't have the time or patience to wait for another order on that stuff for my 84, but I will make sure to change that when I do it to my 83. Thanks for the suggestion. I just used (blue) RTV I believe.

IMO teflon + oil = BAD (granted it won't be wet when you put the bolts in anyway but still....)
The factory used the locktite type on the threads. I reused them and used medium strength (blue) locktite, it is probably suggested in the manual that you replace the bolts all together but....

Is it much if any work to replace those seals? Come to think of it are those just the copper crush type?

~jm

samiam4 · #18 01-01-2003, 04:51 PM

Front seal is a little bit of work,

I was suggesting side seals where the axles fit. IF you've got a big pry bar, they will pop out with some judicious use of force. New ones , find an appropriate socket and tap in until seated. C-clips may be found at the dealer else, reuse them. They should fit snuggly.. if it is loose order and wait a few extra days.

Front seal requires making or purchasing a special socket. You've got to take the driveshaft loose... so it's more work. Mine fornt seal oozes, but what do you expect for 310,000 miles and 21 years? While it would be nice to fix, it's low on my priority list-every low. Side seals are always easy if you have it apart. OEM or you can purchase them from a dealer for $6-7 each.

Michael

samiam4 · #19 01-01-2003, 04:56 PM

Oh,

Silicone will work.. or you can find someother non-hardening sealer. I use the anearobic stuff(ussually wurth brand), but in a pinch find something at napa/autozone etc. Bolts don't have to be sealed, just get the sealer on the inside edge. Cleanlness pays off with zero leaks.

It's an easy job- don't sweat this one too much. Only problem ppl seem to have is removing the c-clips sometimes(they are tight).

Michael

BoostnBenz · #20 01-01-2003, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by samiam4
Only problem ppl seem to have is removing the c-clips sometimes(they are tight).

Myself taking them off wasn't bad, with one hard pull it flew a good five feet away. I would say putting them back on was much harder than taking them off. I tried to leave my arm on the trunk and pry off of that, but it took some good strength and patience to get them back.

The front seals on both my MBs leak, just figured it wasn't worth the time. I mean it is merely enough to hold dirt.

Quote:

IF you've got a big pry bar, they will pop out with some judicious use of force.

How do you define big? 24"? 18"? I would surely fear if I didn't have enough force on them to get them out, yet I would ruin the sealing surface in doing so....

~jm

samiam4 · #21 01-02-2003, 04:59 AM

Big? maybe 24-36 inches...

Longer requires less force. The seal has a metal part. You're putting the prybar under the metal lip(through the axle hole and popping it out. Think I saw a picture in the haynes W123 manual. Don't know...

So, you mangle the old seal, but the prybar never hits the sealing surface. If it does, use a little permatex sealer or something after removing any bur created.

Does that help jim? Got to go... liimited daytime access here in Russia. I'll check back.. but maybe a week or so.

Sincerely,

Michael