4matic question - front axle shafts

[belagirl]

Hello-

I have a 1992 300TE 4matic wagon, and the CV boots are nearing failure. (one is already cracked and throwing out grease)

I know a place that will rebuild the front axle half shafts for a great price. I already have my 4matic system disabled, and I was trying to think of a reason why I cant just pull the front half shafts out for a few weeks. It seems like it would still be drivable- or am I missing something?

Thanks- bg

[milhan]

Im not sure about this one, but I had mine rebuild inner and outer, both sides for 500 bucks removed and reinstalled. why fool around just pay someone to do it. its not a big labor job. I have a 90 300E 4 matic which i disable in the summer. for some reason when its " abled" the front end vibrates when making a slow speed sharp turn. I dont want to spend the money to get it fixed, since i really use it maybe 5 times a year. when its disabled it rides as smooth as silk. the 4matic system ( older cars) are known to have many bugs

[carymcooper]

Bg:

I am not yet very experienced in 4Matics (I'm sure my '92 300TE 4Matic will eventually "teach" me), but I would be hesitant to remove the front axles and would instead "disable" the system until I could repair it. If the CVs can be rebuilt for about $500 that is a deal (I replaced the left axle myself two years ago and it cost me $750.00 for the axle from a dealer at employee cost).

Cary.

[michael cole]

i just removed and rebooted one of the front axles on my on 90 300te 4matic.took about 1 hour to get out mainly due to bolt seizure.spent another hour in disassembly rebooting.reinstall was very quick 20 mins.total cost $200 for the boot kit which i thought was a little on the high side.i ran with this torn boot since the fall of 2004 when i first noticed it.to prevent ingress of dirt i cut up a plastic coke bottle and strapped it around the joint with plastic ties.this worked very well keeping the dirt out and the oil in.only tools required 30 mm multipoint socket with 3/4 drive and power bar and allen wrench for axles bolts.these axles are high maintenance item so i figured might as well learn how.as for shaking and vibration on turns with 4 matic engaged.try changing xfer case and front diff oil with synthetic

[milhan]

ok i will try this. thanks