PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Rear axle boots split -- search results have me a little confused...

dmorrison · #2 11-29-2003, 02:46 PM

When the boots are built, they pour the lubricant into the boot section and then seal it. The lubricant does not come from the differential. So since your boots tore, you have been running the ball bearing in the axel without lubrication. So the axel half that has the torn boot should be replaced. But since your doing the job you might want to replace both. Not necesary but consider it. If the boot was torn thru wear than the other axel may soon be approching the same problem. If it was torn BY something, then the other axel may be fine.
New or rebuilt!!
The Carquest axels are rebuilt. They grind the ball bearing race and then install new bearings and boots. The new ground races are not tempered so failure is something that could occur. Some posts show the failure rate with these rebuilds. The new ones are of course new and should last the 22 years and 175,000 miles that they have on them. But $80 or $375. You will have to make that decision.
Consider looking at the right axel and see the condition of the boots on that axel. Cracks are OK but no tears.
Consider appliing 303 Aerospace Protectant to the remaining boots if you do not replace them. It will help preserve the boots.

Dave