It is fairly safe to assume that all these econony axles are the same chinese manufacturer. Just different distributors are handling them their own way. At least the ball tracks are induction hardened they claim.

This in my opinion beats a very light surface hardness. No the steel is at this point is probably not as good as the german steel. On the otherhand our cv joints are not subject to variable steering change loads since they are on the rear axles.

At some point if not already gone the manufacturer of joints for mercedes will leave germany for foreign production cost reasons. The only slight dissapointment is at this stage the chinese company seems to be only aftermarket. Or if the are manufacturing OEM they are keeping quiet about it. It is a possibility though.

So far to my knowledge there have been no negative threads from forum members that have these in service. If this continues they very well may become the standard recommended replacement.