A perplexing problem. In replacing a differential with whine, I found another from a 1979, the axle shaft seats up on the outside but is not long enough so the clip will go on on the inside, about the width of the clip too short. I found that there is 2 different drive axles so I got the other type and it fits the same way.

I keep trying, at this point I have 2 differentials that are good, a 1979 and 1983. I have both types of axles, neither will clip. I have the original and a replacement that are exactly alike, both are bad. Both sets of axles fit the bad differentials and clip easily.

The original and one replacement differentials (both bad) have a row of bolts around where the axle goes through, the other 2 differentials that are good but will not clip have no bolts.

Literature says there is only 2 axle types for the car, either should fit the differential.

Please help! Thanks! Norm

1982 240D
1981 300SD

Try leaving the spacer/washer off on the new axles.

__________________
'84 300CD Turbo 132k (Anthracite Grey) - WVO - My daily driver - Recently named coo-coo-coupe by my daughter.
'84 300D Turbo 240k (Anthracite Grey) - Garage Queen
'83 300D Turbo 220k (Orient Red) - WVO - Wifes daily driver

I'm not a certified mechanic, but I did stay at a HolidayInn Express last night.

I'm confused. There ARE 2 types of axleshafts - the C-clip one and the bolt on one.

which one do you have ?

__________________
1982 300SD (214 k, excellent shape) kidmobile running mostly biodiesel, gets 31 mpg hwy with 2.82 rear from a euro 500SEL



1976 115 body 240D 4-speed (traded for Jeep parts) - Engine lives on in my CJ7

I'm all ears for this subject, I also have a 82' 240D thats destine this winter to have it's axle shafts rebuilt and or replaced. One side has a torn rubber boots and the other side has cracked rubber but not torn... So any help out there would be great.

Both types axil shafts I have work with clips.

I just bought two axil shafts from the Benz Bin for $114 ea. If the same as mine, either of the 2 types they sell should work. I got in a mess by changing differentials.

It isn't the axles BUT the differentials that are different. The "early" differential has bolt-on side bearing caps & the "later" version uses large snap rings to secure the side carrier bearings.
EACH type uses different thickness shims on the axle shafts. IF fact there are about 10 sizes of either spacer for "SELECT" fit.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator