Torn CV boots on my "new" 2004 C320 4matic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

drbrad · #1 12-05-2010, 06:38 PM

I just picked up a new to me 2004 C320 4matic Station Wagon to add to the family.

It has torn CV boots on the front of both sides. I've looked for instructions on how to clean, grease and then put on new boots. Any assistance will be helpful!

Thanks.

mbdoc · #2 12-06-2010, 08:16 AM

Here you go.

Make sure to change fluid in the TRANSFER case as well!

EPineda · #3 12-06-2010, 09:40 AM

MB Doc, I had the same problem with torn/cracked inner CV boot on my 04
C240 4Matic so I followed the instructions you provided earlier. So far so good, until a few weeks ago when I noticed a leak by the differential case closest to the right front CV axle. The fluid/grease leaking is very sticky, an indication of either grease or gear oil. The inner CV looks kind of dry, so could it be I messed up the right front axle seal in the front differential case during re-installation of the axle? I understand there is not much hypoid gear oil in the case in the first place, I'm afraid to ruin it when it runs dry. Can you please provide instructions on refilling the front differential and/or how to replace an axle seal, also? Once again, I thank you so much for your kind assistance.

mbdoc · #4 12-06-2010, 10:38 AM

Yes EPineda, the right side seal should be replaced anytime that axle is removed.

drbrad · #5 12-06-2010, 07:48 PM

Many thanks Doc.....

drbrad · #6 12-08-2010, 10:46 PM

so, I've taken a look at the job. It looks really tight and might be too big of a job for a weekender like me.

I think I might just take it to someone to do the job right and get it done....

How much do you think it would be to do all four boots?

mbdoc · #7 12-14-2010, 08:36 AM

Only with the axle removed can those boots be replaced.

drbrad · #8 12-14-2010, 10:21 AM

@MBDoc, thanks for renaming the Thread!

RE: Fixing the boot.
As reported when I jacked the car up, I saw that the boot was fine, but the clamp around the big side had come off on both the left and right sides. I pulled back the boot to inspect the CV joint and it was still full of grease, but there was grease everywhere!

My thought is to try and pack the joint and boot full of grease and try and reclamp the big side of the boot.

What do you think? Doable????

I plan on ordering a couple of clamps and trying to do this on the weekend....

Come spring or summer, and when I have more time, I'll do it properly....

drbrad · #9 12-16-2010, 01:24 AM

Here's a photo of what I'm dealing with. As you can see there is grease everywhere, but the boot looks intact...

I may just try to grease the joint and reclamp the large side of the boot. The difficulty I'm having is pulling the boot all the way over to clamp.