W123 leaking between differential and axle - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

UriahT · #1 05-10-2009, 08:24 PM

Well, the repair saga continues...

While doing a short errand, the rear end on the wagon started clunking loudly. Having replaced the axles on the 1984 300D due to torn boots, I knew where to look. Turns out one boot on the passenger side is torn good.

However, that is not my immediate concern as the sound is either coming from the middle (diff) or the driver's side. There is a pretty major leak coming from between the differential and the axle, not from the axle boots. Fluid looks and smells more like differential fluid than axle grease.

The car was running smoothly before, and nothing major happened to it (road debris, bumps). Hard to pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from (axle or differential).

Should I just replace the axle(s) and hope for the best, or should I be looking for a differential also?

Jeremy5848 · #2 05-10-2009, 09:44 PM

There is a seal in the side of the differential that the axle shaft goes through. That seal could be the source of your leak (although it's rare for it to cause big leaks) but the clunking noise is worrisome. Something might have broken or come loose in the diff and either torn the seal or cracked the diff housing. Further examination is advised.

Diesel911 · #3 05-11-2009, 01:09 AM

Ditton on inspecting the Differential.

UriahT · #4 05-11-2009, 10:42 AM

Unfortunately, the car is in NY, though I have garage space in PA.
I have posted it for sale in the classifieds here, in the hope that someone may buy the car cheaply from me... otherwise, I'll bite the bullet and fix it. Hopefully won't get taken for a ride by mechanics here.

Does anyone know if it's easier to replace the diff and axles if all are still connected from a parts car, or is it better to pull the axles first?

tobybul · #5 05-11-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UriahT

Unfortunately, the car is in NY, though I have garage space in PA.
I have posted it for sale in the classifieds here, in the hope that someone may buy the car cheaply from me... otherwise, I'll bite the bullet and fix it. Hopefully won't get taken for a ride by mechanics here.

Does anyone know if it's easier to replace the diff and axles if all are still connected from a parts car, or is it better to pull the axles first?

That question can best be answered by you to a large extent. If you can pull the axles along with the diff as an assembly from a parts car without stressing the joints, then I would think it would be ok. Just make sure the boots of the parts car aren't shot.

Also, a suggestion on tracing the oil leak would be to thoroughly clean the area where the leak is and watch for new leaks.