300D Axle Replacement Problem??
 

I am replaceing a bad axle and everything went well taking the old one off. I simply cannot seem to get the new one to fit. It seems like it is not only to long but that the veins will not line up with the wheel.

What am I doing wrong??

put the new ones agianst the old ones. If they are the same size try pushing the joints in and then fitting them in.

Its always possible the replacement part is poor quality and won't fit but first compare it to the old one and see what you have.

Scott

yeah I got them to go in a bit but they need to go in further. Is there anything I am supposed to do to the wheel part of where the axle fits into??

You'll need to raise and lower the differential as you insert the new axle to get it to line up properly throughout the process. They don't just go in with everything in one position. Have you been doing that?

Scott

Yes I have.
MY main problem is that I cannot get the outer joint of the axle to slide into the wheel. It seems as though the vein things just aren't going to mate up for some reason.

Are you saying the splines on the new axle don't seem to match the splines on your wheel hub - or that you can't even get the new axle into proper position to even attempt to insert it?

If its a spline problem, this should be readily apparent by comparing the splines on the new axle to the old one. They are either the same size or they aren't.

If you can get it lined up but just can't get it in, try some anti-seize compound on the splines to help it slide it. Make sure the splines in your hub don't have any rust or anything else on them to hinder insertion.

If you are having trouble even getting the outer end into position, make sure the inner end is fully inserted into the differential. Go ahead and install your retaining ring in the differential just to make sure you are all the way in.

Hope that helps.

Scott

Did you use lube?

To make sure the splines are correct, try inserting it a little bit from the outside. I had to move my drivers side down quite a bit. Disconnected the shocks and everything.

Push the two CV joints together HARD (towards each other) - they will slide in and out about 1½ inches but are quite stiff on a new axle, push the diff accross too to compress the opposite axle. Turn the hub a bit to align the spline.

Thus far I have ruined 2 axles by trying to bang them in. (thank goodness for the auto parts return policy)
Basically the hub will not receive the axle. I have gotten a file and I am filing the hub down so that the axle might fit.

Is there anything else I can do to get the axle to go in the hub other than change out the entire arm??

This is a nightmare situation.

More Kryptonite axles
 

What brand of axles, where did they come from?

I have several post regarding axle replacement. Do a search and read about aftermarket replacements.
Hopefully, you still have your originals??? Send them to a rebuilder or simply replace the boots if the CV joints are still smooth, tight.

DO NOT mix up the differential end spacers!

Also, chances are any new or different axle will need a different spacer thickness.

Are you sure you have the right kind of axles for the diff? IIRC there is about 4 different ones.

Not possible.
The splines won't meet when inserted from the outside. Axle stub splines are roughly 1 1/4" long, the splines in the hub are recessed at least 2" from the outside.

:confused:

There are many different ones. This is why the spacer shim from the right side may be a different thickness from the left.

Machining tolerance varies such that the length of the inner stub to the clip groove is different. The correct spacer (shim) sets this to the specific differential.

If you swap axles, chances are you will need different shims.

Still, this does not help solve zsmith29's problem of the outer splines not meshing.

:eek: DO NOT FILE!!!

Try turning the hub/axle and finding a point where they are happy.

Make sure the hub splines are clean. Small wire brush helps here.

Only touch up any burrs with a file. Do NOT file the splines!

Try putting the axles in the freezer.

As a general rule, if something doesnt go in easy then you are doing something wrong. Stop, slow down and think about what you are doing. Once you start forcing anything the risk of doing great damage increases and it hits your pockets hard especially with mercedes. You shouldnt have to hammer those axles in...

I just did them on a buddy's 300D and it was easy job.

A note for installing the axles back into the hubs. I could not get the axles to go all the way back into the hub. Tried pounding the axle from behind ( on the metal can). No luck. Bought an all thread rod (M8 1.25 X 3ft ) at the local bolt supplier with 2 nuts and a large washer, $5.75. Tried creating a slide hammer to get it to install, still would not go all the way in.
I finally inserted the all thread into the axle. Slid a plate over the rod and installed a washer and nut. Turned the nut with a box wrench and the axle slowly slid into position. Replaced the axle bolt, sleeve and a new washer and torqued to 30Nm as per the manual.


http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=206875

Dave

Thanks for the thread DMorrison. I looked all over the search functiona dn I could not find anything that detailed. I truly hope I do not have to go that deep into the hub but I just might.

I filed on the hub this morning after cleaning it very good with brake cleaner.

Do you all think there is a possibility that the axle from the Advanced Auto is machined incorrectly. I think the previous one I had was out of the same lot as the one I have now.

It is possible the axle is not correct. Measure the diameter of the axle spline area to make sure it is the same. Also measure the spline size and gap as well as the total length of the axle part that goes into the wheel hub. If they are the same then by some alltread and install it the way I described above.
the post I linked you to is for replacing the bearings. Not the axle.
Her is the axle post.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123RearAxles

Dave

The one thing I know for sure is that the splines in the hubs are not faulty.
I think filing either is a bad idea, but if I was going to choose I'd go for the axle.
Personally, I'd look for an axle that fits. They're out there. I know because I did the job.

I borrowed 2 axles that came off of an 83 240D and tried to put them in. Neither one of them worked.
They are going in about a 1/4 of the way and stopping, all 3.

What is going on here.

Have you tried to put the old one back in? Just to see if it will fit.

are these Homokenetic or Annular axles? Annular are the two piece and
maybe separate the two sections and see if it will fit into the hub. If it
will, then stuff it in and attach the other end in the Differential and then
bolt the two halves together.

hard to believe three of them won`t fit.

Charlie