The car's an 83 300D. How does one replace the halfshafts in this car. Do I need a bunch of special tools do get this accomplished? Is this a job best left to an indy to fix? Both shafts have totally destroyed boots and the car's making a lot of occasional noise from the rear. After a close inspection of other undercar components it does appear as if the halfshafts are the source of my problems. How can I ID which type halfshaft is in the car ?? Parts guy said something about 8MM vs 12 MM

Thanks for any assistance.

No special tools required for this job and it is a good diy'er type of job. Do a search - plenty of info in here somewhere.

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Jim

Homokenetic vs. annular? Look at the top two pictures of axle assy's for your car on FastLane (ignore third picture).

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

Yeah, it looks like the Homokenetic type. I have to stick with the original type right?
Thanks Much

It's been awile, so don't quote me, but I believe the homokenetic can be "upgraded" to the annular with some extra parts. I know my 126 can be.

These are #'s from FastLane:

(1) 124 350 56 45 flange (2) 124 357 01 75 washer (1) 124 357 02 89 cap and (6) 000 990 92 12 bolt.

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

jb - you set off a bell that made me vaguely remember the same thing. I think you are right - they can be upgraded.

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Jim

This job is a walk in the park. A couple tips that seem to make it easy. Undo the for bolts that hold the mount to the floor frame. Lower the diff to remove the back plate, and raise it back up again to remove the axle. Remove the brake caliper by undoing the two bolts. You don't have to undo the hydraulics. REMEMBER to fish out any spacers used to set up thrust on the axle and transfer to new axle. The job is so easy with the caliper out of the way.

Peter

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

You can remove the clip from each axle inside the diff.....I have done a number and never had to remove the caliphers...when you have removed the bolt from the center of the wheel and the clip you need to use a brass rod and small sledge hammer to knock the axle inward towards the diff. and the axle will come out of the hub and then you can pull the axle out of the diff. email if you have any questions or if you want my phone number or if you want a price on a set of used axles....good luck

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James A. Harris