I have much of the rear end of my 1983 240D apart to replace a bunch of parts. I just took the CV axles out this afternoon. I've noticed other folks saying that there should be a spacer between the CV axle and the differential.

However, when I got the axles off, there weren't any spacers that I could determine between the axles and the differential. There didn't seem to be anything between the axle "cans" and the output seals on the differential.

The axles aren't original to the car. The previous owner had them replaced years ago. He'd mentioned that the replacements (aftermarket rebuilds) made noise, so I'll probably be replacing them. Anyhow, I'm working on the assumption that the mechanic who replaced the factory CV axles lost the original spacers (the job was done probably 10 years ago at an unknown shop, so if spacers ever actually existed there, they're long lost to time).

The driver side didn't seem to have any play when I removed the circlip inside the differential, but there did seem to be some play on the passenger side (I had already freed both axles from the wheel hubs before opening the differential, if that makes any difference). So, I'm thinking I need a spacer at least on that side.

Does anyone know if these are available, and if so, where to get them?

Thanks

The Instructions in the Manual have that the Axles are supposed to fit into the Differential with out any preceptable in and out play when the "C" Clip is installed and that the "C" Clip is supposed to go in with out any abnormal force.
If that is the case with the Axles you have then you need no spacers.

If you have in and out paly after the Axles are instlled they you need to determine how much play you are having and get new Spacers From Mercedes; there is several sizes.

Way back Member Stretch installed some aftermarket Axles and could not find the exact size spacer needed from mercedes and got Thicker Spacers and had them Surface Ground to size. (I will let you ask how He determined what size to have them ground to.)

It is a simple process. They throw the Washer on electro magnetic Surface Plate/Cuck and magnitism holds the Spacer down while the grinder does the job.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I'm pretty sure it wasn't me! (I've never bought after market axles before)

Anyway the dealer sells the spacers in many sizes so you don't need to grind anything down if you don't want to. The spacers themselves are not always easy to detect they sometimes look like they are part of the bearings on the outputs of the differential. So look under the seals...

...the main thing to make sure of is that the axles don't wiggle when installed =>



Picture shows W201 differential - but shows what I mean

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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Sorry for the memory slip. I took over 30 minutes to find the original thread and I now have it in my notes.

Rear Axle Spacers how to measure what thickness you need or to be machined from them-
By fruitecakesa
Post #23 “I called the dealer and found out that while they have a selection of spacer thicknesses they did not stock one thin enough to fit my GSP's.
I measured the gap between the inner diff housing and the snap ring slot using a feeler gauge with the axle pushed all the way into the diff“..
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/262186-gsk-axles-not-worth-no-matter-how-low-price.html

I thought it was a clever way to get the aproximate thickness of the Spacer you might need.
If I recall correctly he got a thicker one and had it ground down and installed it and it worked.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I went down this road many years ago and discovered that the spacer is unique to the axle/diff combination. No two axles will measure the same with calipers.
The advice given above is good. Just make sure there is a very snug fitment of the c-clip as per the MB fsm.

Also, the early axles are specific right and left. IIRC pre '78.

Good advice all around. Thankfully, I'm not pressed for time, so I can sort this out.

Thanks for the advice, all. I'll let you know the outcome when I get this sorted out.

Actually, every axle will measure the same. Installed in the same diff... But every diff will have a different measurement.

Unless of course an aftermarket axle is used...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
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I went through the same issue with those axle shims when I swapped out my diff. You can either hit the yards and go through the painful process of pulling off the back cover, et cet., and getting a collection of shims OR I think MB sells them. Try looking on PP or South Atlanta MB. I think the latter has them. They are only a few bucks each.