Much needed help
 

Hi-I have a 1985 300 TD. I am trying to replace the rear axle boots. I have the axles removed but there is a metal can on each end of the shaft. Does anyone know how to remove one end of the joints inner or outer with a metel can around it?
Thanks

MB has a special tool to remove the can on the axle shaft and re-crimp it. It is usually a shop job.

However I devised a method with out any special tools. I cut a hold in the side of the can so I could remove the horseshoe clip on the end of the axle. Then you can slide the axle out of the can and replace the boots. The axle can then be slid back in and the clip replaced. I then put a piece of rubber with a piese of sheet metal over it to cover the hole and hold it in place with a hose clamp. If you are worried about balance, use 2 hose clamps with the screws positioned 180 degrees apart.

It may sound like a Rube Goldberg fix, but it works.

P E H

Thanks I'll tred lightly and try it.