Half shaft replacement options..... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dieselnewbie · #1 09-10-2003, 11:20 PM

Hey all,

I am planning on replacing the half shafts in my 1982 300SD currently with 208,000 miles. Is there a good place down here in or around San Diego which specializes in rebuilt half shafts?

I have seen them offered at Pep Boys for $98.00 a piece, but I am not sure if they would be quality rebuilds. Has anyone had any experience with half shafts from Pep boys?

I would greatly appreciate some advice please.

Thanks much!

Al

rwthomas1 · #2 09-11-2003, 12:12 AM

I posted on this a while back... Carquest has the axles for $69.95. Unfortunately they could only get me one when I needed two so I had to use SchlepBoys for the other. That one only lasted 5 minutes! I got another from them and it has been fine since, about 10K on the axles now. Easy swap. RT

dieselnewbie · #3 09-11-2003, 12:52 AM

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply RT!

I will definitely check these out.
I will do a more in depth search of the forum before I post next time.

Thanks

Al

#4 09-11-2003, 09:44 AM

From all the reports I've had (as I've NOT tried them), the $100 rebuilds seldom last even 40-50kmi and MOST don't last that long. If you are set on going with a "cheap" rebuild and are doing your own labor, you might consider Auto Zone as they have a "forever" warranty. Most MBs go to the junkyard with both original halfshafts still on the car. 300-400kmi is NOT ususual although many fail sooner. I have had only one fail before 200kmi (the CV joint bound up and I replaced it with a used one with almost 250kmi on it and it's going strong 50kmi later). Used half shafts CAN be a very good choice also and good ones can be had for $75 or less. A quality rebuild will cost ALMOST (maybe 75%) of what a new one would cost.

Marshall

samiam4 · #5 09-11-2003, 07:13 PM

W126 bodies are not as common for axle failures as W123's.

I'd look for used ones. Make sure they don't have angular play indicating a bad joint.

With the current exchange rates, new and Lobro rebuilt axles are on the rise. Do check, because you never know.

How many miles would you like to get out of the replacement axle? Are you going to install it? Those are really the important questions before offering axle advice.

Michael

dieselnewbie · #6 09-12-2003, 09:53 AM

Hi again,

Thanks for posting Marshall Booth, and samiam4!

I looked into Car Quest and they did not have any 300SD halfshafts available

.
However, I was thinking is it possible to use shafts from a 1982 380 SE? (different 126's use the same half shafts maybe?)

I asked the guy if he had any for a 380 SE but he needed to know if there was a 8mm or 12mm retaining bolt. Does anyone know which size the retaining bolt is?

I will be installing these halfshafts myself, hopefully in one day's time.

Now if those options don't pan out, I could just get the old boots replaced.

I don’t think I could save much on used axles since they are going to have old boots on them unless we could find Lobros (but those are scarce).

I honestly don't know how long the boots on now will last. 300k maybe; i really cant tell.

Thanks again for your alls help!

Al

dmorrison · #7 09-12-2003, 12:55 PM

Why are you replacing them??
Are the boots cracked?
Are they makeing noise?
If they are not giving you any problems. Leave them alone

Dave

samiam4 · #8 09-12-2003, 08:01 PM

IF they are not making noise or leaking grease don't mess with them. Might go a few more years....

Carquest only caries the W115/123 chassis joints.

All W126's should take the same axle. Someone on the list with EPC can confirm.

Michael

rdetoy · #9 09-12-2003, 11:51 PM

Dave and Michael are correct--there is no need to replace the half shafts prophylactically. Only replace them if the boots are shredded or if joints are binding or making threatening noises. Even if the boots are torn, the boots can be replaced economically by a rebuilder (they have the very expensive crimping tool for the boots) if the joints are in good shape and you'll be good to go for many more miles.

What fails with the rebuilds is the joints themselves. The races are machined oversize to accomodate oversize balls, but in the machining process the joint loses its hardened surface treatment and thus they are quick to fail. There is a reason why they are only warranted for a year.