axle half shaft compatability - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 03-01-2003, 10:41 PM

I posted a thread in the tech forum but recieved no info. Hope you guys can help me.
I have an '84 300sd. At the pick-a-part there's a nioce '78 w123 with 1/2 shafts that appear to be in very good condition. It seems that many parts on these cars are interchangeable. I was wondering if these axles will fit on a w126. The price can't be beat at $19 each.

Thanks

mercedesmatt · #2 03-01-2003, 11:31 PM

yes!!! they will work, better snatch them up!!! thats a good buy!!! be careful while your jacking it up!! be sure to use jack stands or throw some old wheels under it while your working on it.

rickg · #3 03-02-2003, 01:25 AM

Just a hint for you, what I've done is make use of Fastlane's online catalog. I own a small fleet of Audi Coupes, an '82, an '83 and an'84 parts car. Most parts will interchange for these years, but they made some changes mid-83. So I pull up Fastlane, look up the part number for what I'm fixing, then pull up the part number for the part I want to yank off my '84 parts car. If they are the same part number, bingo! I'm set.

#4 03-02-2003, 10:00 PM

Thanks for the good news. I didn't even think of trying the parts # routine. Great Idea

samiam4 · #5 03-03-2003, 01:05 PM

Are you guys sure they will fit???

I was pretty sure the W126 being a wider, the axles would have to be longer. I *know* all W123 adn W115 axles are interchangeable.
If you've already pulled them..... I'm sure they would be an easy sell to a W123 owner.

Michael

#6 03-03-2003, 08:28 PM

I have to wonder if they will fit.. The 123 and 116 are lots different.. the 116 is several inches longer than the 123.. and it mounts different in the later years as does the 126 is I remember.. I think a tape will give the answer.. I would bet the 126 is several inches longer than the 123..

Ken

jbaj007 · #7 03-03-2003, 09:55 PM

Model 123 half-shafts will NOT fit a model 126 according to MB part #'s. All of the 123 #'s (they vary by vehicle serial #) are 107, 123, and 124 series #'s. This makes sense due to size(same width) of the respective vehicles and MBs desire for some interchangability. As the VIN # increased (newer model 123's) the part # went from 107 to 123 to 124 series#. The 84 300SD and all 126's use half-shafts that start with a 126#, whether annular or homokinetic. The price is still terrific for someone with a 123.

samiam4 · #8 03-04-2003, 12:22 AM

jba's definately right about lengths...

The one caveate is the W115 and W123's are interchangable. The bolt size can be different- so grab the hardware just in case. The old one in my car is a honomkinetic W115 and the new axle was a complete GKN/Lobro W123 anular replacement style...
It was a drop in replacement.... dispite what some vendors will tell you and it required no extra parts=0)))))))

Hotskillet- my W115 axle is looking sad. If they look decent... I'll pay you for one=)

Michael

#9 03-04-2003, 08:56 PM

I'm kicking myself now for not pulling shafts out of a 126 they had a few months ago. I'll just have to wait. What are your guys opinions about the longevity of a used shaft. Is it false economy to buy a cheap used part of this nature? Would money be better spent on new shafts ($$$)?

samiam4 · #10 03-05-2003, 12:46 PM

Depends,

How many miles do you want out of axle shaft??? Used can be anything- fatory to remanufactured. Some remanufactured(many) are junk lasting 40-60,000 miles. If the boots are decent condition, the shaft is not too rusty an orginal will probably get the same mileage as a rebuilt(my opinion). REbuilts are now $70 and up.
I know many people that purchased rebuilt ones through Rusty for $250 and paid shipping both ways. At that time, I got a new one for same net money. For me it was a no-brainer with time and reliability being at a premium.
Most vendors seem to have lots of false information about new axles. THey base their information on Mercedes parts catalog instead of the Lobro, hence they say they will not fit without hundreds of extra dollars in parts. In reality, I think they are just pushing a higher profit part-which is inferior. I wrote Fastlane about this and he can get the new axles....

Michael

#11 03-05-2003, 06:31 PM

I plan on keeping my car as long as possible. I'd rather be driving my car than fixing something twice. Thanks for the input.

jbaj007 · #12 03-05-2003, 10:11 PM

Many of the posters on this board have been touting the Carquest Auto Parts rebuilt 1/2 shafts at $69.95. Check out their comments in the archives. Good information.