w201 rear axle boot
 

Need help replacing rear axle boot that is torn. The Tech articles only show the replacement for a w124. Are these the same or is the w201 different? Any special tools or anything else I should look for when replacing?

I haven't seen the 124 articles, but the axle is the same. The trick is that the inner CV joint comes off by removing a snap ring, which makes it easy to slide the boots on without much stretching. It's a good idea to replace both boots at the same time.

I highly recommend Astoria CV boots. They're made of silicone rubber, so they stretch better than rubber boots, and last longer. I used an Astoria 3000, but I think the 2001 would be a better fit:

CV Boots

And they're cheap, while OEM boots are priced like gold.

As for tools, you will need an XZN male socket to remove the differential bolts...don't try a Torx socket, or you will strip the bolts. You'll need a big impact socket for the hub nut...I think it's a 30mm. A torque wrench. And finally, snap ring pliers. You WON'T need a boot expander if you remove the inner CV. You'll have to replace all the hardware, do not reuse anything.

Having done this once on my car, recommend also that you have plenty of grease available for inside. Spend 2 bucks and get some extra, I think you will use it.

Here's what I did

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/352107-w201-annular-axle-re-boot-much-easier-than-w123-homokinetic-axles.html

Going to have the moderators add this to the sticky. This is an amazing write up!

So there are 4 boots for the 2 rear axles. Are the boots all the same or is there an inner (close to differential) and outer?

I can not detect any difference between the boots - I'm not sure why the numbers are different