need help putting in axle shaft on 1989 300e - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

HryDuster · #1 09-24-2006, 01:44 PM

well I recently droped the differential and took the right axle shaft out. I went out and bought a remanufactured one. The new shaft does not come with the cv joint. To take the cv joint off the old axle I need to know what size splined socket the outer bolts are on the cv joint. Then what the easiest way to put the shaft back in the car? cv joint, then slide the shaft to the wheel hub and then bolt on the shaft to the joint? Thanks

Gilly · #2 09-24-2006, 05:01 PM

Not understanding, how can you get a reman half-shaft without both CV's? What exactly was rebuilt?? The SHAFT doesn't need rebuilding, the CV's do...So not sure what exactly should be done at this point, send the shaft back and ask for one with both CV's on it I guess. In answer to the installation, yeah put the half-shaft back on (put the nut on the outer spindle into the outer hub and tighten it up) then reinstall the differential (center section).
Gilly

HryDuster · #3 09-25-2006, 12:38 PM

sorry i was not specific enough. there is the spindle that goes into the diff. then there is the axle shaft that is bolted to the spindle that goes into the diff. what i need to do is take out the 6 splined bolts that hold the axle and spindle together. for some reason they dont give you the whole complete axle. once i get it off i can put the old spindle on the new axle and then be able to put it back in the car. Where would i get a splined socket for these 6 bolts? i found one on this site but it is way too big. Is it a dealership only service item? need help Thanks

david s poole · #4 09-25-2006, 03:55 PM

i believe what you need is an inside out torx.they are made as 3/8 sockets and should be available from sears.

david s poole · #5 09-25-2006, 03:57 PM

ps.they are made thatway so you can change the axle without touching the diff.

Gilly · #6 09-25-2006, 04:16 PM

I agree, the part that goes into the diff should stay there, you take the 6 bolts off only to remove the half shaft from the car. At any rate, I think you might be able to get by with a 12 point hex socket if they are not too tight (not sure what size, but metric, IIRC maybe a 10mm). I know they are tight, but sometimes a 12 point will do in a pinch. You should be able to find the correct socket without going to a dealer, maybe even Sears, or definitely if you can track down a tool truck (Snap On, Mac, etc) I bet even Harbor Freight has them, but they might make you buy a set of them. If you count the "points" of the bolt head, they might be 10 point in which case it might be harder to find. If they are 12 point then a 12 point hex should work (hex head bolt is 6 point, a 12 point is just a double-hex head). Sometimes you can even get it with a regular 6 point hex.
Gilly

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