GSK Axles - NOT WORTH IT, no matter how low the price - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mobetta · #1 10-01-2009, 10:08 AM

re-boot the german ones.

Mark DiSilvestro · #2 10-01-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobetta

re-boot the german ones.

That's what CVJ does - for a price.
If my axles had the bolt-together inner joint, I might have been able to reboot them, but my 240D axles have all the joints sealed inside two-piece steel cans. To reboot those the factory way, requires a special crimp-tool to assemble the new cans. (Though some have claimed success using pliers)
I tried the Dorman boots, but didn't have the special orange installation cone, and couldn't get them home with a tranny funnel. Plus, I needed the car up and running soon, without wasting more time, or one of the new boots, experimenting. So I got my $80 back for the boots, and got the CVJ rebuilts.

Happy Motoring, Mark

cook · #3 10-01-2009, 08:54 PM

Tobybul...

Please give us details about how you slid the boot down the funnel.

Is your red funnel just a reglar ol' plastic funnel?

I tried the Dorman Flexx boots. Got one on, never could get the second one, it ripped up. I don't recall if I used Pledge or not. I may have used something like ArmorAll. It felt pretty slick.

eyeguy · #4 10-01-2009, 09:06 PM

I purchased axles from Napa 2 years ago (they looked like the GSP axle in the picture), and I had the same thing happen on one of them where it separated like that when I was making a left turn. I returned them and ordered some from CVJ and haven't had any problems since.

Mark DiSilvestro · #5 10-01-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeguy

I purchased axles from Napa 2 years ago (they looked like the GSP axle in the picture), and I had the same thing happen on one of them where it separated like that when I was making a left turn. I returned them and ordered some from CVJ and haven't had any problems since.

Are these GSP axles the cheap, new Chinese ones like I've seen for sale on some online sites? I think Fastlane listed these new axles that were cheaper than their rebuilts. And a local import parts store had them for $110.

Happy Motoring, Mark

tobybul · #6 10-01-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cook

Tobybul...

Please give us details about how you slid the boot down the funnel.

Is your red funnel just a reglar ol' plastic funnel?

I tried the Dorman Flexx boots. Got one on, never could get the second one, it ripped up. I don't recall if I used Pledge or not. I may have used something like ArmorAll. It felt pretty slick.

The cone came from Astoria Flexx Boot. I did used the Flexx boots first but I did not like its fit plus I punctured it when I was reinstalling the axles because it had too much excess rubber. They were also softer than the Dormans. So I went to AZ and got the Dormans. They were slightly tougher to get thru the cone but very doable. It helps to soak the boot and the cone in hot tap water just before shoving them thru. It makes the boot more pliable. Spray the boot and the cone with pledge (astoria's recommendation). Hold the boot with a rag so its not slippery on your fingers.

Also, the OE lubrication is gear oil - not grease. I used Valvoline semi syn gear oil.

There is also a thread on this when I did it with more pics. ....

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=251168&highlight=flexx+boot

Mark DiSilvestro · #7 10-01-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

The cone came from Astoria Flexx Boot. I did used the Flexx boots first but I did not like its fit plus I punctured it when I was reinstalling the axles because it had too much excess rubber. They were also softer than the Dormans. So I went to AZ and got the Dormans. They were slightly tougher to get thru the cone but very doable. It helps to soak the boot and the cone in hot tap water just before shoving them thru. It makes the boot more pliable. Spray the boot and the cone with pledge (astoria's recommendation). Hold the boot with a rag so its not slippery with your fingers.

Also, the OE lubrication is gear oil - not grease. I used Valvoline semi syn gear oil.

There is also a thread on this when I did it with more pics. ....

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=251168&highlight=flexx+boot

I didn't try to get the Astoria cone and Flexboots after reading about your experience.
Will Astoria sell their cone without buying their Flexboots? I quit trying to force the Dorman boot over the tranny-funnel because I wanted to still be able to return them.
But I have another W123 that may need boots someday soon. So if I could get a more suitable cone, I might try again.
Too bad these axles can't be cut apart and then spliced back together somehow.

Happy Motoring, Mark

tobybul · #8 10-02-2009, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

I didn't try to get the Astoria cone and Flexboots after reading about your experience.
Will Astoria sell their cone without buying their Flexboots? I quit trying to force the Dorman boot over the tranny-funnel because I wanted to still be able to return them.
But I have another W123 that may need boots someday soon. So if I could get a more suitable cone, I might try again.
Too bad these axles can't be cut apart and then spliced back together somehow.

Happy Motoring, Mark

can't say if he will sell you the cone separately but I would think so since it is priced separately. It was about $20 IIRC. I could loan you the tool but for $20 or less you might as well get one for yourself by the time you send me a deposit and me packaging it I don't think its worth the trouble.

rs899 · #9 10-02-2009, 07:29 AM

I don't think there is anything magic about Astoria's cone (except the markup). I used a tranny funnel and it worked OK. I was too cheap to go out and buy Pledge just for that purpose, but if that's what it takes, I will buy it for the next ones.

I tried STP, liquid laundry detergent (both bad) and finally spray silicone which worked, I guess. I heated my boots with a heat gun on low. The technique probably could use some more experimentation to make it more repeatable/pridictable.

Rick