propshaft lock nut
 

Am I missing somethig? I'm trying to undo the lock nut on the propshaft to get to the rear pinion oil seal. My largest adjustable wrench is too small - do I really need to go buy a 46mm wrench?

Can I lever the propshaft out of the rear coupling?

Steve

300td / W123 if that helps.
Steve

Not sure about the size but yes, you will want to use the a properly sized 1/2" drive socket.

Steve,

You need to clarify exactly what the obstacle is.

Peter

I used large channel locks. It will work fine. May scrape up the nut a little but no big deal. Save your money for other tools.

Something like this

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/hand_tools/channel_lock/griplock.htm?L+coastest+vghq5658ffca7bca+1067400822

Dave

Recently replaced the center bearing on my 1978 280 CE w123

This is a picture I posted on another thread to show the 'special tools' I used

The adjustable plumbers wrench in the centre of the picture is what I used to undo the 46mm nut...........my manual specified a retightening torque, but I just did it up 'reasonably tight'

sdelasal

When you have this nut loosened the shaft should compress enough to disconnect the centering sleeve at the diff.......no need to undo the bolts connecting the flex discs to the shaft............I marked the position of the flex discs to their connections as I wasn't planning to replace the discs or centering sleeves........not specified in the manual, but no harm in putting things back the way they were............I used new flex disc locknuts

You probably should consider replacing the center bearing & mount while you are there if it hasn't been replaced recently......also have a close look at the flex discs

David

Be sure to mark both halves of the shaft if you plan to take them apart. They must go back together exactly the way they came apart or you can get some vibration problems. I like to just mark a line from one to the other with white paint

The plumbers wrench looks exactly like what I need - I tried channel locks but was wary of the mess it would make and decided to email the 'collective' instead. Thanks...


Steve

How do I know if the centre bearing is okay? - The one in the picture above obviously looks like it seen better days - but mine is still in one piece - Is that all that is required for a pass?

Steev

My centre bearing was 25 yrs old........as the picture shows the mount had fractured.........the centre bearing & mount wasn't particularily expensive.......even from MB Australia which is not known for cheap parts.............if your bearing is over 10yrs old or >100K miles perhaps it would be a wise replacement

I had a 'flapping' noise at ~ 20mph.......cured by replacing the centre bearing & mount