I have the drive shaft out of my parts car, ready to install into the real car ('78 300d) in an attempt to cure the vibration that has been present since I got the car.
The center bearing feels great, but it looks like it is falling apart, so I will replace it.
On the U-joint, there is a very definite detent at the center position of each joint. It spins well on the support bearing, but if you tip it off center you can feel the detents each time they come around. I assume that this is not normal.
What is in the u joints? Bearings? how are they replaced? they they look permanently installed.
thanks, Andy

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andy t
'78 300d
'95 volvo 850, wagon
'86 300sdl - engine out, maybe I'll have it rolling by June

whole bunch o' bicycles

I have not looked closely at a MB u-joint. However, everyone I have ever seen has a row of roller bearings around a cap that is pressed into the u-joint and around the shaft of the central "+".
I have always pressed them in and out with a vice and the appropriately sized sockets.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

that looks about the size of it- I assume there is nothing extra special about the MB u joint except maybe this:
when the bearing parts were pressed in, the tool had ridges on it, so it raised little nubs of steel all around the bore. It does not look like it will press back out very easily. does anyone know of they press back out at all, or does the entire joint need replaced?

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andy t
'78 300d
'95 volvo 850, wagon
'86 300sdl - engine out, maybe I'll have it rolling by June

whole bunch o' bicycles

I went through driveshaft issues about a month ago and personally do not feel that replacing that u-joint is a diy'er type of job. There are a couple reason. The first is that you have to get that u-joint centered within the yoke and the second is that you will want to balance it after it is changed.

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Jim

What Engatwork said. I'd find a local driveline rebuilding outfit and see if they rebuild M-B driveshafts, or if they can point you to someplace that does.

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past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

July/August '94 Issue of "The Star" had this ad on page 20-

"Mercedes Driveshafts
...Remanufactured... to better than factory specs.
Great prices-Great work"

D.L.S. of Atlanta
4652 'B' Jonesboro Rd.
Forest Park, GA 30050
404-361-9111

I don't know if they are still in business and it seems like a hassle to ship a driveshaft off to be worked on...
You could also check a recent issue of "Hemmings" ...if it can't be done or gotten from someone in there it may not be doable.
If I do mine someday, I think I will try to change the center to a replaceable(Clips)and greasable joint.

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Diesel-guy

I used DLS - Driveline Services of Atlanta and was very happy with the work.
The address is right but the zip is 30297 and the current phone number is (404) 361-0475.

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Jim