My 300sd axle clunks quite loudly while making sharp turns. While investigating what could cause it, i gave the left side axle shaft a tug while up on jacks.
The axle shaft had 1-2 inches of play in either direction. Is this normal? i thought there was some sort of c clip or retainer that limited side to side motion?

__________________

1979 240D with a 617 turbo diesel.

The sd that bill gave me had play in it. after taking off the wheel there was a 3 or 4 inch bolt that was laying between the hub and the rim. That bolt holds the axle in place on the wheel side....it might be loose or completely off like mine was.
-Stephen

__________________
68 250s SOLD
78 300d non turbo SOLD
1980 240d manual SOLD
1981 300SD 360,000 miles I think she's doomed for a parts car but has a good engine SOLD the engine to spamman
1977 300d non turbo SOLD
1985 300SD california car
1978 240D Manual

As the suspension rises and falls the axle has to change it's length. Remember the rear end is bolted to the body. I suspect that is what you are feeling. Also as the load varies on the cv joint when turning a corner does tend to increase or magnify wear problems. Sounds like you need another cv joint more than anything.