W108 U Joints; Serviceable?

[TommyMacDaddy]

1967 W108 250SE w/two piece driveshaft.

The center bearing was bad and the rubber donut perished as well. I have the shaft out and have replaced the bearing and donut. I marked it for position prior to disassembly.

The drive shaft mounted half of the u joints feel a bit 'notchy' on both ends. The joints are staked in place and are not flush with the outer surface of the d/shaft. As is the case with most things on this car, it appears to be different than the standard American setup I'm accustomed to.

Anyone know if they are serviceable? If not, any suggestions?

[280EZRider]

MBZ originally installed the U-joint staked this way. If you have it replaced, some shops can stake in a new joint and others will machine a grove on the inner walls to accomodate a joint with a c-clip. The c-clip type seems to be the only type that is serviceable (with a grease nipple).

These u-joints have very little lateral movement when installed and you should not feel any "nochy feeling" as you describe. When you move the joint it should feel completely smooth.

[Pooka]

Originally Posted by 280EZRider

MBZ originally installed the U-joint staked this way. If you have it replaced, some shops can stake in a new joint and others will machine a grove on the inner walls to accomodate a joint with a c-clip. The c-clip type seems to be the only type that is serviceable (with a grease nipple).

These u-joints have very little lateral movement when installed and you should not feel any "nochy feeling" as you describe. When you move the joint it should feel completely smooth.

I have no answer but perhaps some advice.....

The 109's have this same set-up, and the 6.3 is a lot harder on U-joints than any 6 cylinder could be. Therefore the M-100 owners have been through this and seem to have found a solution.

To get the most current info check out The International M-100 Group and scan through the comments sections. You cannot post unless you are a member but this question has come up before and solutions have been posted there.

[twinockchef]

I would find the best driveshaft shop in your area and ask them if they can refurbish the U-joints. When they U-joints started to fail on my 108 I took them to a shop and they were able to rebuild them. Even though they were not serviceable.

[Tony H]

I used this place:
Other Vehicular - Vehicular Driveshaft Solutions - Markets - Driveshafts.com
They specialize in Mercedes driveshafts.
They ship you a tube to send your driveshaft in. They install servicable ujoints.