Rear axle / Differential R&R - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rbardolv · #1 05-12-2007, 01:00 AM

Hey Gurus,

Well I am in the middle of the CV R&R and am stuck because I am such a NooB! I have the diff cover off, with diff being supported by jack. Vehicle is on stands.

Now I know my next step is to remove that big C clip, but I don't see it, all I see are those big differential gears. Maybe a few bearings on the sides where the axle splines should be... Do I take those big differential gears out? What am I missing?

THanks!

Eric Eliel · #2 05-12-2007, 01:19 AM

They are there inboard of each vertically positioned spider gear, I can see it in your JPG (at least the right side one) rotate the axle around, you'll see each one.

(I wouln't describe the C-clip as a BIG c-clip, more like a quarter?) Look at the end of your new axles, they slip around that ridge.

rbardolv · #3 05-12-2007, 01:24 AM

Ohhh! Toward the center of the pic? In the middle of those gears???

No wonder, I was looking at the outer case near those bearings....

Jeremy5848 · #4 05-12-2007, 01:34 AM

And be careful pulling the clip -- it has a tendency to go "sproing!" and you go "oops!" There are special hook tools (the clip has a protrusion in the middle with a hole for a hook) but I just used a pair of pliers.

Alberta Luthier · #5 05-12-2007, 02:53 AM

I found that a 'brake tool' I had worked fine (though it did go 'sprong'!).
The tool is one of those thingys that looks sort of like an awl but twisted into about a right angle.
Also be very careful not to drop those bearings on a cement floor, you don't want to mark them!
I have just did my axles though not put them on yet (waiting for diff side seals).
I used a fifty ton press to push off the part on the shaft. For putting it on (AND boy you make want to be certain you have everything else on that you want on, like the tin can part, and the other boot, before you put the spider? part back on) I put the axle in the freezer over night, and the other part in the oven for an hour, then with the axle in a vise, I drove it on using a small sledge and a 30 mm socket for a spacer. I modified a vise grip to fit the socket so I could easily hold the socket and not burn myself. Went on with 3 to 5 medium one handed hits.
Good luck,
Chuck

rbardolv · #6 05-12-2007, 12:41 PM

I have opted to simply do the shaft boot rebuild. The other bearings and such if look good I am not touching them at all, looks like a real pain in the arse....

Cheers!

riethoven · #7 05-12-2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbardolv

I have opted to simply do the shaft boot rebuild. The other bearings and such if look good I am not touching them at all, looks like a real pain in the arse....

Cheers!

I guess you are talking about the bearings that support the ring gear, I don't think they go out too often. The manual says to replace the circlips that hold the axles as well as the long bolts and cup washer at the outside of the axle. I did replace those parts but I know many people don't.

When I replaced my axles, I also replaced the seals on the side of the differential and went to synthetic fluid. I have over 45K on them with no problems. I was too chicken to rebuild them so I did the exchange thing with CVR in Denver. One problem I did run into was the thickness of the shim on one axle. It was too thick so I could not get the axle in far enough. The spacers are hardened so the can't be filed, they have to be ground. I had the axle on that side in and out several times doing trial fits after I would grind a little off of the spacer. You won't have that problem since you are rebuilding your existing axles.

rbardolv · #8 05-12-2007, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riethoven

I guess you are talking about the bearings that support the ring gear, I don't think they go out too often. The manual says to replace the circlips that hold the axles as well as the long bolts and cup washer at the outside of the axle. I did replace those parts but I know many people don't.

When I replaced my axles, I also replaced the seals on the side of the differential and went to synthetic fluid. I have over 45K on them with no problems. I was too chicken to rebuild them so I did the exchange thing with CVR in Denver. One problem I did run into was the thickness of the shim on one axle. It was too thick so I could not get the axle in far enough. The spacers are hardened so the can't be filed, they have to be ground. I had the axle on that side in and out several times doing trial fits after I would grind a little off of the spacer. You won't have that problem since you are rebuilding your existing axles.

Hey Doug,

WHy were you too chicken to rebuild them? Is it not simply a matter of removing the old boots and replacing with new ones?

I just got those axles out and boy what a moderate pain in the arse.. I mean I have the differential cranked all the way up and pushed in as far as they can go, bend the lower knuckle as much as possible and the outer spline still has a hard time clearing those little lips of the (bearings / dust seals(?)... They are out now though, looks like they were done nicely once before... ( I can just imagine the install...)

Someone should have really thought about the heat from the exhaust frying the left boot....

I guess I will make some kind of heat shield and use some exhaust tape too, to prolong the life of the new boots..

Cheers!

rbardolv · #9 05-12-2007, 04:16 PM

Hey guys, I just read about the need to spread the one inch boot hole over the cans on the ends.... CRap I dont have a pneumatic or hydraulic too for this!

I have the parts being shipped. MB boots, some universal bands and a band tool, I already have all the CV moly grease..

Any suggestions on doing this manually?? Or some other basic shop pneumatic tool, as I have a shop at work that can probably help me with something?

Thanks!