Having a bad day.... CV boot leaking oil everywhere.
 

Well, I guess its time to pop for set of axles. Ran an errand this afternoon and returned to a puddle of oil in the garage. Hmmm...? I thought at first the diff was leaking as I didn't know the CV's on MB's were oil-filled. A little research set me straight. I just checked the axles and they are tight but the boots are dryrotted. Inner passenger side let go. I was just under the bloody thing day before yesterday and no leak. I don't mind the work but I sure wasn't prepared to spend this kinda $$$ right now. Damn. Guess I'll go downstairs and start taking her apart, again. Might as well get a headstart on it. RT

I was supposed to meet my wife and some other people tonight for dinner. So I find the oil and now I'm really pissed. The cordless phone I was using has been giving trouble, it double and triple dialed numbers pressed only once. So I'm standing there just ripped about the car and after about 10 unsuccessful tries to dial the number, yup you guessed it! BANG!! Phone gets smashed to a coupla hundred pieces on the kitchen floor. I finished it off with my boot. Then I called the wife with the upstairs phone. Never liked that damned phone anyway....

Sorry to hear. From what I hear it isn't a bad job, but I've never done it.

Actually, I found it downright easy. I did this job on my 300D right after New Year's. Look at this thread for the details on that. I wound up not removing the brake calipers, but were I to do this again, I would. It is possible to get the axleshafts into place around the calipers (having a bottle jack to move the differential up and down, for alignment purposes, is a godsend!!), but can be a PITA and can result in damage if you're not real careful. I found an axleshaft for $65 at a Carquest auto parts store. The price combined with the type of job convinced me to just replace both axleshafts. That way I won't have to do this again in another year or so. :)

Just some thoughts...good luck! Again, it's a pretty easy job IMHO...

I hope you get this sorted out! My CV boots are looking really dry. I hope they don't tear anytime soon.

I can understand your frustration though and sometimes I feel pretty much the same. That's why sometimes I just wanna sell my car....

Okay, axles are on the ground. I agree with The Warden, its really quite simple and I didn't have to remove the calipers either. I will take them and the rotors off for installing the new ones though. I can see how it will be much easier. Questions though. I see 8mm and 12mm axles offered. I am assuming they are refering to the long axle retaining bolt that secures the axle to the hub through the wheel bearing?? Mine are "small" so I'd say 8mm. Hey should I do the diff side seals as well since I am there? Its a real shame. Both axles are tight and noise free but the boots are gone. They'll make good cores I guess. I had shims on mine, do I reuse them with the new axles? How do you know if the clearance is correct? Hopefully the local import parts house will have them in stock tomorrow, maybe Carquest as The Warden suggested. I can live with $65/ea. Oh yeah, and a new phone..... I'll let y'all know how it goes. RT

Rwthomas??


SHims?? There is a big washer which the bolt uses to hold the axle tight into the hub. Don't know of the shim-please discribe.

Common failure mode! you just caught it early, that's why they are not sloppy. Yes, seal replacement is easy and really should be done on a 20 year old car! If you don't have a aftermarket source, the dealer should be $5-10 each.


Michael

Sounds like it might be too late but it's possible to replace the boots only. I put a split boot on my car over a year ago and had no leaks or problems. I bought them from Cosmos international. Do a search and you should be able to get all the info. They were pretty cheap so IMO are definitely worth a try before you redo the axles.

Sounds like you have the 8mm fastener. It does not take much torque. I would leave the diff seals alone if they are not leaking just make sure you put a little lube on the 1/2 shaft prior to sliding it in. The shims go in the same location on the new 1/2 shafts. Make sure you clean up your vent on top of the differential while you are in there. Just remove it and clean it up real well. If it is plugged it can cause the seals to leak.

Update
 

Okay called every parts store in RI today and some in MA and CT too. No one has anything in stock!! Doesn't anyone stock parts anymore. I know I'm not the only one driving a 123 MB in RI.... Heres a partial breakdown:

Favorite local import place-$200/ea reman. Unknown order time, have to call on Mon.
Advance Auto-$195/ea reman. Special order, check on Mon.
Autozone-can't get
Local rebuilder-$249/ea to rebuild mine, 1 day turnaround.
Napa-$229/ea reman. Special order, check on Mon.
Local boneyard-$75/each, no warranty/guarantee/zip/zilch/nada, I gotta pull it. What drugs are THEY on?????
Pep Boys-$89/ea reman. Special order-ordered/paid 3-5ship days, Lifetime warranty.
CarQuest-$69.95/ea reman. Special order-ordered, check on Mon, be in on Tues. Lifetime warranty.

So I ordered from both Pep Boys and Carquest. Carquest will be in sooner so they will go in. Pep Boys ordered as a backup. If Carquests parts work out refund from Pep Boys. Teach them not to stock nothing!! Tried to find a boot that fit but none came close. If I had to order a boot I might as well order the axles and save myself doing this twice. RT

rwt,
fwiw i too had to get 1/2 shafts - also got Carquest reman ones - they have been in the car since last april - no problems sofar.

84300dt
 

Thanks for the vote of support!! RT

Nice to know that they don't cost an arm and a leg... now at least I don't feel too worried if mine ever go bad.

I definitely would go for the cheaper ones if mine go bad. I don't think I'd pursue the expensive/original/MB-stamped ones...

Good luck!

AARRRGGGG!!!!!
 

Got one axle from Carquest, only one was available. Got two from Pep Boys. One was damaged. Looks like a forklift drove over it. Okay at least I have two "good" ones.... Install axles. Lots of slop in right shaft, metallic bang when going from D to R. Return cores, refund on damaged. On ride home right axle goes bang-wha-wha-wha LOUDLY on the way home. Inner CV has failed, lots of shaft slop, leaking grease coating undercarriage. Call Pep Boys, order another. Will be in tomorrow, 9am. Tore down car again tonight, prepped and ready for install. What a PITA. This is not a difficult job, I shouldn't have to work so hard for it.... RT

Sounds like a normal repair..... should be easy but isn't. Too bad those parts places can't get it together.

Boy, I'm happy I got mine from Carquest...I actually had called Pep Boys first, but they couldn't get the axleshafts in time...

Mine lasted 300 miles with no trouble :) Only reason I haven't driven the car more since then is the wheel bearings...parts should be in on Thursday :)