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.

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Jim

Steve,

You need to clarify exactly what the obstacle is.

Peter

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

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

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

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'

Attached Thumbnails

 

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