96 SL600 Differential Dissassembly
 

Gentlemen

I'm attempting to install a bracket for external wheel speed sensors onto the output bearing flanges of a 1996 SL600 rear axle. I was simply just going to remove 4 of the bolts and put 4 longer ones through the bracket holes but to my surprise the bolt heads end up being held captive by the axle flanges. So this means pressing the axles out of the bearing supports. I cant see how this is assembled due to the dust shields on the flanges.

Since I did not want to get into the mode of blindly pressing and damaging bearings and then having to deal with re shimming, I'm trying to get a better feel for how this is assembled and how I can expect this to come apart. Mostly is the press light enough that I can successfully press it apart and back together without brineling the bearings.

Thanks in advance.

As best I am aware it's not even a press fit, just snug. A couple of taps from a rubber mallet should free the axle mounting hub from the bearing carrier. The only thing that should hold it is the circlip you already have removed. I typically pull the clip first and then the axle mounting hub leaving the bearing carrier for last.

:cool:

I cannot say 100% on this particular diff. But every diff I have ever done, which is a lot, I have just removed the inner c-clip and pulled the flanges out with the bearing in place. Everyone has been able to come apart by hand. In fact, I do not know how you got the bearing out with the flange in. The lock-tight makes those bolts tight.

Thank You Gentlemen.

I small rubber mallet was all that was required. Since I had to put these in and out multiple times to fit my wheel speed sensor gap, I found I was able to leave the caps in place and just use a slide hammer. The press was light enough that I had no worries of bearing brinelling.

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