axle boots

I just replaced the rear axle on my '83 300D. The new boots have lost the original shape. I've tried turning the axle and tried to get the boot to the original shape with no success. Does anyone know how it is done? Thanks.

[jeffsr]

Why worry. As long as they are intact and serving the intended purpose. They may have gotten a slight twist during installation, who knows. This would seem to be a low order cosmetic issue. To rotate the boots, you will have to cut the retainer straps, twist them back to where you like them and apply new retainers. The tools to do this can be pricey...

I called the factory where the axles were rebuilt and they told me a vacuum developed in the boot, which caused the irregular shape. The technician said to drill a small hole in the boot and insert a small tube in it (cut a small piece off from the plastic tube supplied with a wd-40 can). It worked, I then removed the small tubes and the hole reseals.

[P.E.Haiges]

Could you supply some information about the factory that rebuilt the axles? Were they your axles that were rebuilt or did you turn in your axles as a core exchange? Where did you purchase the rebuilt axles, local or direct from factory? What was the cost? What is the address/phone/e-mail of the rebuild factory?

I never could find a place that rebuilt Mercedes axles and I had to buy new ones. There are probably others who would be interested in this information.

TIA

P E H

I bought my axles from the Brinson co. (1.800.541.1105). They said they only deal with auto shops, but I use my company name when I make purchases. They charged $225 per axle(with core exchange). They buy the axles from CVJ Axles (1.800.292.2953). They have a 3 year warranty. They use grease in the axles instead of fluid.

[P.E.Haiges]

Thanks for the info. The new Mercedes CV lubricant is a grease type lubricant that comes in a toothpaste type tube.

$225 seems like a reasonable price compared to what new ones cost.

P E H