1981 300SD
I have replaced transaxles before but cannot recall the deal on the keeper inside the differential.. I have the outer joints removed but I was thinking there is a snap ring inside the diff...
Diff rear plate is off but cant see the ends of a snap ring?
Want to reboot if I don't destroy them coming out.
Could not find this info when searching the forum but I know its gotta be in here......

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I LOVE CATS....AND FRIES

1981 300sd
1983 300sd
1985 300d
1983 300cd
1991 350sdl

Not much too it except just like changing the Differential Oil you need to loosen the Fill Plug first and that can sometime be difficullt.
In the DIY section it is likely the proceedure is for a W123 but that is the same for a W124.

After the Fill Plug is loose. Support the Bottom of the Differential Housing.
Remove the Differential Mount from the Body and the Differential Rear Plate.

Drain out the Differential Oil and remove the Plate.
The C-Clip has a Hole in it for you to hook something into the hole or put some strong Wire thorugh it so you can yank out the Clips.
Of course the Hub end of the Axle has to be removed and moved around till you can slide the Axle out. It may be helpful to raise and or lower the Differentilal to get the axle Out.
If there is a Spacer/Shim between the Axle and the Differential be sure to save that and keep it for that specific side of the Differential it came from.

During installation of the Axle concerning the C-clip it only has that When the C-clip is installed it should go in easily but there should be no in and out play of the Axle where it goes into the Differential.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

For more detailed info:
DIY Repair Links
DIY Links by Parts Category - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum
or
PeachPartsWiki: Do It Yourself Articles - Mercedes Vehicles

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I finally found them. Every time I rotated the gearbox with the drive train it stopped at a blind spot. Finally got lucky.Thx

__________________

I LOVE CATS....AND FRIES

1981 300sd
1983 300sd
1985 300d
1983 300cd
1991 350sdl

Next question........Will the MB transaxles ends (the ball bearing pivot head) come off the shaft like other imports do?

__________________

I LOVE CATS....AND FRIES

1981 300sd
1983 300sd
1985 300d
1983 300cd
1991 350sdl

There are two types of axles on these cars. There's the homokinetic and the annular styles.

See this thread for info on the difference:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/266630-homo-annular-axles.html

The homokinetic is often know as the "can-style" axle and if you have these they can only be separated by removing the cans and boots and pulling apart the spider joint, which is the joint where the ball bearings reside. This is the style that requires opening the diff and removing the c-clip inside to pull the entire axle.

The annular type unbolts from the part that connects to the diff and the rest of the axle can be replaced without opening the diff.

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1979 300D 040 Black on Black - 1985 300D Maaco job (sadly sprayed over 199 Black Pearl Metallic) on Palamino

http://i.imgur.com/LslW733.jpg

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Visit the W123 page on iFixit for over 70 helpful DIY guides!

I would discourage you from trying to disassemble a homokinetic axle. While it can be done, you'll come up against it trying to crimp the new can. Either send them to CVJ and get the real job done, or a forum member, vstech I believe, has an axle exchange program for members. You don't want to know how I know this.

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'83 300D, 126K miles.

Beside dealing with the heavy crimp on the Cans on the homokinetic axles the Manual has that you need a Hydraulic Press to get one shaft end out of the Spider.

Also note that the Stock type Boots are too thick to stretch over the Cans. You either need the Astoria Flex Boots or the Doman universal Boots.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

See the Pics in the thread on how to replace the Stock Type CV Boots.

Changing CV Boots for your W123 Mercedes-Benz.

Note; I found that a lot of the pics were small and dark. If you have some sort of Photo Suite type Program once you have saved them you can lighten up and enlarge the Photos making what is going on more visable.

Also notice how much Grease is used. I know from personal experience the Pack of Grease that comes with the Dorman Universal Boots is maybe like 1/4 of what you need to grease a dry Joint.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel