83 W123 300D Half Shafts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmmagow · #1 01-05-2004, 11:43 AM

Are these the same left to right? Mine have kind of can looking things on both ends. I am going to order replacements from Car Quest even though new would be better. I've go to get the car on the road NOW and just can't wait 'till I save up 700 for a new pair.
Thanks for the advise.

Diesel 924 · #2 01-05-2004, 12:01 PM

Yep, same left to right. I just installed a Carquest shaft a couple of months ago and I'm very happy with it.

84300DT · #3 01-05-2004, 05:42 PM

i'm also running carquest re-builds - ok sofar...

samiam4 · #4 01-17-2004, 11:35 PM

rmmagow,

I would suggest only replacing the bad axle... they you'll have an extra $70 toward a new axle!!

yes, there is not left or right side on a W123 axle. They are the same length.. not a front wheel drive car.

Michael

rmmagow · #5 01-17-2004, 11:41 PM

Yeah, but both are shot. Strangely, the axle that looks OK is the bad one the other has ripped boots and are dry and dirty inside so it's ready too. I'm ordering the car quest ones tomorrow and having them installed since it's been and will be near zero here for a while. dammit, hate paying labor for what looks pretty easy.

The Warden · #6 01-17-2004, 11:46 PM

I replaced both axleshafts with CarQuest rebuilds last year (December '02). I had one go bad on me about 5 months later, but they replaced it under warranty (lifetime

), and everything's been happy ever since...

And I can concur with everyone else that the axles are identical; there's no "left" or "right" axle.

samiam4 · #7 01-18-2004, 12:10 AM

5 months.. how many times will you replace them before that is no longer a good value?

I recently recited a long theoretical discussion on why *all* aftermarket rebuilt axles don't live nearly as long as the Lobro. It was even supported by one of the biggest and best rebuilders in PA.
They extrude hone the races for oversized ball bearings. I think he was saying 0.020" diameter steps until they cleanup and then they put new balls.
These are somesort of German spec steel similar to 4130. They are heattreated by nitriting. Originally the Rockwell hardness at the surface was 85 min, then at 0.010 Rc=60, and at 0.020 Rc=50.

They do not re-heattreatment processing. Note, that hertzian stress distribution does not cause failure unless you exceed the material strength. Spalling (bearing term for pitting), is a shear stress failure.

I've put lots of rebuilt axles in cars... all failed way short of the Lobro/GKN new or rebuilt axles.

If you can find some nice used ones- I would pay $50-75 instead of a rebuilt.

Michael

jcd · #8 02-12-2004, 10:49 AM

I called CarQuest re: the half shafts.

They guy asked me "8MM or 12MM bolts". I guess you have two choices. Before I crawl under the car, do you know which bolts he is talking about.

Thanks,

JCD

PS< My car is a 1977 300D

84300DT · #9 02-12-2004, 11:04 AM

yes they asked me the same thing .they are the bolts on the outside (wheel) end of the shafts.
mine were 8mm.

gsxr · #10 02-12-2004, 02:45 PM

are the CQ shafts annular or homokinetic? I was thinking of trying the AutoZone shafts, also lifetime warranty (I think) and $99 each.

Rick Miley · #11 02-12-2004, 02:56 PM

I forget which is which, but the ones I got had the shaft that goes inside the diff. No external bolts.

84300DT · #12 02-12-2004, 02:57 PM

these are the carquest ones-

gsxr · #13 02-12-2004, 03:19 PM

Nuts. Those are homokinetic. The annular type has the external bolts. Oh well... looks like I get to open up the diff...

jcd · #14 02-13-2004, 11:06 AM

Half shafts are fine. Had a tread separate on my Michelins which gave symptoms of a half shaft going bad.

VERY HONEST Mechanic, Star Motors in Sussex, NJ.

jcd

84300DT · #15 02-13-2004, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jcd
Half shafts are fine. Had a tread separate on my Michelins which gave symptoms of a half shaft going bad.

VERY HONEST Mechanic, Star Motors in Sussex, NJ.

jcd

now that's some good news!