The outer boot on one of my rear axle shafts has split open, and leaks oil. The other boots look cracked. 240D has 200k miles. I figure it's time to replace them. A local garage said it's not worth replacing the boot, and to just get rebuilt halfshafts installed, with new boots etc. How big of a job is it to replace these? I am fairly handy with tools, have a garage with floor jack and axle stands, and the MB service manual. Thanks for your thoughts.

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1982 240D 205,000miles+
1987 Land-Rover 110 diesel 50,000miles+

rstl2002,

Not to hard of a job, takes about 2 hours. Too prove my point, I did it once in a New Orleans parking ramp.

You have to jack up rear of car and block it securely under the frame. Wheels must be off the ground. Drain gear lube and remove the differential cover ( I think you need a jack or block under the differential too) and pull out the horseshoe clip by using a hook type device in the clip hole.

Unscrew the bolt in the outside end of the axle. Then try the work the axle out. If impossible to remove axle, you need to put an extended jack under the a-frame near the wheel, remove the bottom connection of the damper ( incorrectly called shock absorber) and lower the wheel by retracting the jack just enough so axle shaft can be removed. Watch that you don't stretch the brake hoses. If they get tight, remove the calipers.

Be careful, there is still downward force being applied by the shock absorber (spring). If you are going to be doing the other side or not putting another axle right away, I suggest you reconnect the damper.

Installation is the reverse of removal.

Its been 5 years or more since I did this, so I hope I didn't leave out anything. I welcome others to make comments.

P E H

Not terribly difficult. Unless you get stuck like I did. Read the story here.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Do a search on this topic. Lots of posts on how/why/when/where/etc. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

As for the other question about front end work, thanks for the help and encouragement folks!! Looks like I have a couple of little projects waiting for me during my upcoming holidays! Now to get the parts on order!
Best regards, and long live the diesel Benz!

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1982 240D 205,000miles+
1987 Land-Rover 110 diesel 50,000miles+

I did this work last summer using the instructions from the following link on this site.
It was an easy afternoon job.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=33923&highlight=rear+axle+shaft