w124 half-shaft replacement without removing everything else? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jarod · #1 03-06-2015, 12:33 PM

Hi again guys.

Had a bit of an issue with my e300d the other day. Thought I'd broken a flex disc (They are bad and I have replacements that will be installed along witg my newfound job...)

But as it turns out the left rear half-shaft snapped off at the hub. The cv joint stayed with the hub/bearing carrier and the shaft appears to have sheared off right before the cv.

Is is possible to remove the half shaft or replace that cv joint without disassembling the entire rear bearing carrier and half the suspension?

Every diy I see seems to be for removing the wheel bearing and has everything coming off. Id rather not do that if I dont have to, as that means more and more work and money going into a rusty 370k car with a leaky head gasket...

What do I have to do?
Thanks.

vstech · #2 03-06-2015, 12:55 PM

yeah... it's simple.
just remove the ring of 6 bolts on the diff hub, drop that out, pull the nut off the wheel side, and pull the axle... replace with new/rebuilt...

Jarod · #3 03-09-2015, 06:02 PM

Ok, that's a huge relief.

I tackled the flex discs today (that was my initial thought before I saw the axle)

After I was done I figured I'd make an attempt at removing the axle shafts. What kind of crazy heads hold them to the differential?!

I found a w124 tech article on here that says they are an e10. I assure you they are not. They look like some crazy 85 point Allen head. An 8mm Allen nearly fits but feels like it could round them out.

Vice grip size?

Can't Know · #4 03-09-2015, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarod

Ok, that's a huge relief.

I tackled the flex discs today (that was my initial thought before I saw the axle)

After I was done I figured I'd make an attempt at removing the axle shafts. What kind of crazy heads hold them to the differential?!

I found a w124 tech article on here that says they are an e10. I assure you they are not. They look like some crazy 85 point Allen head. An 8mm Allen nearly fits but feels like it could round them out.

Vice grip size?

They should be external torx; MB loves those things.

Like this:

If that's not it, post a picture. It's possible it was replaced previously with a knockoff that used a different fastener. (Or that a wheel bearing was replaced and they used some other fastener to refit the half-shaft, as you're supposed to replace the bolts and not reuse them.)

Good luck.

Jarod · #5 03-09-2015, 07:55 PM

it is most definitely not those.

I've taken a terrible cell phone camera picture of it, hopefully you can at least see what I'm talking about, if not, I'll get a better one tomorrow (its dark now)

It sure seems like these are gonna be easy to round out. I haven't dared try too hard yet because I'm afraid of having to figure out a way to remove them.

Both sides are the same too.

rscurtis · #6 03-09-2015, 08:18 PM

While you're at it, do the other side too.

CarpeDiem51392 · #7 03-09-2015, 08:54 PM

I thought it was a 12 point 10mm.

Good luck those look nerve wraking for sure. Got an impact wrench?

Jarod · #8 03-10-2015, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rscurtis

While you're at it, do the other side too.

For sure. I've got both coming and I'm definetly doing both.

I have no idea how to get these out other than vice grips or an angle grinder then vice grips but I hate to try those first and ruin my differential or something.

Zulfiqar · #9 03-10-2015, 11:06 AM

Those bolts are XZN drive - also called triple square. you can buy these bits from autozone in a blister pack.

Do not confuse them with the bi hex bolts of mercedes and later toyota cylinder heads. - bi hex are 2 hexes super imposed on each other giving 12 points.

XZN are 3 squares super imposed on each other - also equalling 12 points but the intersecting angles are different - using the wrong tool can result in either breaking the tool or rounding the machined area of the bolt. (both a pain)

Its always a good idea to clean these bolt heads with a pick first and flush with brake cleaner - if you feel they have been chewed by previous tools then use a dab of valve grinding paste on your tool to get good bite into the recessed head.

dont use allen, torx etc in there - you will really hate yourself if you did.

vstech · #10 03-10-2015, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

Those bolts are XZN drive - also called triple square. you can buy these bits from autozone in a blister pack.

Do not confuse them with the bi hex bolts of mercedes and later toyota cylinder heads. - bi hex are 2 hexes super imposed on each other giving 12 points.

XZN are 3 squares super imposed on each other - also equalling 12 points but the intersecting angles are different - using the wrong tool can result in either breaking the tool or rounding the machined area of the bolt. (both a pain)

Its always a good idea to clean these bolt heads with a pick first and flush with brake cleaner - if you feel they have been chewed by previous tools then use a dab of valve grinding paste on your tool to get good bite into the recessed head.

dont use allen, torx etc in there - you will really hate yourself if you did.

100% correct. But i recommend purchasing the tool from a tool truck. The auto zoo made in China stuff WILL round off the head.
MB sells a kit with bolts and plates to replace the XZN stuff. Get it!

Zulfiqar · #11 03-10-2015, 02:41 PM

I personally never used the autozone tool - because I have some old Elora triple square sockets that have not failed me.

I did have a 12mm MB bi hex which has gone missing in action after loaning out to a freind

- bought a snap on then (cost me 25)

Jarod · #12 03-10-2015, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

MB sells a kit with bolts and plates to replace the XZN stuff. Get it!

I got the shafts from pelican and it looks like they come with bolts, do I also need new plates to convert away from the xzn?

Man I'm glad I asked.

I tried a 8mm Allen in it but didn't try to turn it, it was obvious it wasn't the right fit. I'll get a proper tool on the way.

I'll let you all know how it turns out. Hopefully I can do it this week sometime. Been a mess at work with weather, worked 16 days straight saving boats and clearing up wreckage.

connerm · #13 03-10-2015, 06:50 PM

Clean out the bolt head thoroughly. Use the exact proper tool and dip it in valve grinding compound for an extra measure of gription.

vstech · #14 03-10-2015, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarod

I got the shafts from pelican and it looks like they come with bolts, do I also need new plates to convert away from the xzn?

Man I'm glad I asked.

I tried a 8mm Allen in it but didn't try to turn it, it was obvious it wasn't the right fit. I'll get a proper tool on the way.

I'll let you all know how it turns out. Hopefully I can do it this week sometime. Been a mess at work with weather, worked 16 days straight saving boats and clearing up wreckage.

No. The new plates are not needed, original ones are fine if they are not damaged.

Jarod · #15 03-25-2015, 08:37 PM

Ok, work has been nuts. I finally got the old shaft out, and nearly a week later I put the new one in, and I've hit a snag.

The new nut with the weird spot to peen over is too big. it won't tighten on far enough to allow me to peen that spot over.

pictures are attached.

Can I reuse the old nut, should I locate a new one that is the old style? or should i gob a pile of red locktite on the new nut and torque it down?

Thanks!