Q ::: How do you know when an axle shaft is bad?

I was told by someone a long time ago that you could "pull" on the shaft (away from the wheel or away from the diff) and if it moves, it's bad...is that true?

Q ::: I've had a consistent whine out of the rear differential on my wagon. Changing gear oil didn't help. It's actually a 3.07, and I'd like to replace with a 2.88...anybody know a source for these?
Anybody nearby have one?
I've NEVER seen a wagon in a salvage yard here in Oregon...were there any 2.88's in sedans or other Mercedes models?

Q ::: I've heard that some rear differentials will accept both annular and homokinetic jointed axle shafts, and that some won't. How do you tell?

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-lee
'83 300CDT (286k)

former proud owner of:
'85 mercedes euro 300TD
'80 mercedes 300TD
'77 mercedes 280e
'80 mercedes euro 250
'82 mercedes euro 250

The 85 300D and 300Sd used the 2:88 Diff in 85. It is a one yr only. anything newer won`t fit from the W126, differen`t diff mounts.

The annular and Homokeneytic axles will fit. Annular is a 2 piece, with a stub that stays in the differential, wo when replacing with another Annular the Diff doesn`t have to come apart. just remove some bolts on the outside of the Diff.

The Homokenetic is a one piece axle, the Diff has to be opened up to replace them.

the two axles I replaced would cause a clunking, knocking sound. see if the rubber boots are cracked and opened up, If so probably lost the lubercant and they get dry, and dirt and water doesn`t help either.

there was a resent thread on replacing the boots
www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=251168

those axles are the homokenetic.

go into the resources tab above and in the DIY , DMORRISON has a good one on the W123 replacing the rear axle. the replacements are Annular.


Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works