Hi can i ask this question please .For W124 m103 1989
Looking yesterday under the car . Just to condition it for the winter, with wax oil .And with the use of wire brush to clean the metal pipes for the fuel and brakes systems .
The bottom of the final drive was damp
Now i have the sealer to make a new gasket .
But looking at the plate on the rear of the differential i can see no way of removing it The sub frame is very close to the back plate .,.So thats the question -- can i remove the back plate ,or do i need to drop the axle to remove the back plate. Hope its not another mercedes puzzle. Thanks for any help given..

You need to drop out final drive to remove coveat rear of final drive

You don’t necessarily need to drop the axle, although that would make it easier. But you do need to remove the pumpkin.

Frank i like the pumpkin bit .More like a pink elephant .Take all that back end down just to seal the back plate .I am thinking its just keep my eye on it after i drain it off and refill And nulu i did think it was the way it was done by removal of the whole item .Thank one and all ..