420SEL axles and flex discs
 

I've ordered my axles and flex discs and researched away here about replacing them. Just to be sure, I am understanding that I need to remove the differential cover and remove the clips inside and I can just pull the axles out? And then on the wheel side I just remove the bolt in the hub and tap the axle out on that side? Do the new axles include grease? I have to start and finish this job this weekend, so I need to gather as much info as possible. If anyone has some useful Ideas on the flex discs also, I would much appreciate it. Thanks

I believe that removing the 6 "special" headed bolts from the inner CV joint is all you need to do. CV then comes off of the axle flange which stays on the differential (removing internal clips allows a change of flanges). Removing the outer nut will then allow the axle to be removed from the wheel hub (dose with penetrating oil beforehand). You do need the special tool for the inners (NAPA has it). If the above is correct for your car, I've found it easier to use a bunch of extensions and work from outside, rather than under. A pipe between the lugbolts to keep anything from turning and another pipe on the breaker bar to get the CV bolts free, rotating the axle to put each bolt in a position that the boot will not interfere with. If the heads strip, then its back underneath with a grinder and a trip to the parts place for a new bolt:D

Have fun!

That does not sound fun. What "special tool" do you speak of?

Answer
 

This thread should have the answers you need. :)

Driveshaft, Axle & Wheel bearing
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/142402-driveshaft-axle-wheel-bearing.html






Have a great day.

Again, I'm assuming your axles are held on with bolts to the flanges. The tool fits an 8 or 12 point internal spline bolt head. Not sure which, not sure of the size (its not here to view). Also, when you do your flex coupling, to move the drive shaft forward, you need to loosen the large nut on the drive shaft. a pair of large adjustable wrenches will work, just a pain to get to.

Hanno

E150GT, I found adjustable wrenches unsuitable for loosening the large nut on the driveshaft due to insufficient clearance. Purchased 41mm and 46mm open-end wrenches and the nut loosened with some effort ... it was extremely tight. Verify the sizes you need before buying any new wrenches. Also, be sure to torque the flex disc bolts to spec.

Check RESOURCES link at the top and the DIY section. There is an post on removing the axles etc.

There is alot of disinformation on flex disc installation. The important point is that the thicker sections cover rope wound around the metal 'tubes' that the bolts go through. The discs have a front and rear, usually an arror on the side points forward. The trans flange drags the driveshaft around using the rope inside to transmit the power. The same occurs on the rear axle, the diff flange is dragged around.

check the original orientation and take pics or make drawings.