Seeking advice on half-shaft replacement on 240D-W115-1976-Auto

[240Dork]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a 76 240D-W115-auto. The mechanic installing new tires discovered a torn right inner CV boot. The left side CV boots are cracked and about to split. This shop wants $1000 to change the boots and $1400 to install rebuilt axles.

I called around to a few auto parts places and I can get rebuilt half shafts for $78. My problem is that I can't find any auto repair places to install parts I purchase. So I've been giving very serious thought to installing rebuilt axle shafts on my own.

So is replacing an axle shaft a huge pain in the ass? The procedure I'm planning on attempting is as follows:

1) jack/block up car
2) remove tire
3) remove brake caliper by removing the two 19mm bolts on the back of caliper
4) remove small bolt on end of wheelshaft and remove rotor
5) somehow remove axle shaft from remaining wheel assembly
6) drain differential
7) remove rubber differential mount
8) open differential case and look for axle retaining clip and remove
9) pull out axle shaft from differential

The step's I'm most concerned with are #'s 5,8,& 9.
Concering step #5- I'm not sure what exactly I'm looking for or the torque involved to get the axle shaft out of the wheel.

Concerning step #8 - I'm sure something has to hold the axle shaft in the differential, I'm not sure if a special tool is required to remove.

Concerning step #9 - I'm not sure how much torque is required to remove.

I would be grateful if someone could give me a few pointers before I attempted this project. I'd really hate to get things torn down and realize I need special tools to get the axle shafts out.

Kind Regards,

240Dork

[samiam4]

It's a pretty straight fwd job. I can do a pair in 2-3 hrs, but many state they spend 6-8 hrs the first time.

Let's see- no need to remove the caliper.

The bolt that retains the axle is inside the hub. You can see it with the wheel removed in the center. There have been 2 different sizes.. This also can give you probems as your replacements could be- 2 different sizes!

$1400 sounds like is should be factory new axles- lobro/gkn. Figure $300 labor, so $550 per axle list price- yea that's in the ball park.

Circlip holds the axles in the diff. There maybe shims behind them, keep track of them if they are there- and put them back.

Do you have a 14mm drain removal/installation allen wrench? I'd suggest a few direct blows to the fill plug and make sure it moves..

To snake the axle out- it depends on the height of the diff... you'll be supporting it with a jack when the rear-cover is removed. All pretty easy.

Unless you really enjoy doing this twice, I'd suggest the Lobro/GKN axlesa dn avoid the tempting rebuild aftermarket axles. I think for a W123 that would be about $320 each, but a vendor might give you a pair price. Rebuilds tend to have life-time warrentees... but it's not fun replacing them at regular intervals.

This would be the only easy time to replace the axle seals in the diff.

Michael

[RAYMOND485]

1984 300d Turbo
Take The Top Nuts Off The Shocks To Lower The Wheel Down And
Jack The Diff All The Way Up, Pull Axle On Wheel First Than Diff
6-8 Hrs First Time Diy And Use New Axles $325.00 Done Add New Shocks

[240Dork]

Guys,

Thanks for the tips on getting the axles out, it sounds like a good time to do diffy seals and put in shocks!! Glad to know I don't have to mess with the calipers. Providing my own labor, I can put better quality parts back into the ole beastie and hopefully, nevermore shall I have to go through this pain.

I'm off to the auto parts store and I'll start on the project. Thanks again for all of your assistance.

Best Regards,

240Dork

[240Dork]

SamIAM & Ray,

It just occured to me, if I replace the shocks or even remove the topmost shock bolts; I'll need to see a professional for a 4-wheel alignment?

There is no way I can "eyeball" the camber, caster and all that other alignment mumbo-jumbo.

Many thanks in advance,....

[t walgamuth]

are no adjustments to the rear of a benz.

on the original poster, are you sure the half shafts need replacing? the price quoted is not the price an honest shop would charge. the boots on the half shafts are quite thick and can have a lot of superficial cracks and not leak. if they are not leaking, no worries. as long as the shafts are not loose.

tom w