Torn CV boots on my "new" 2004 C320 4matic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

drbrad · #1 12-05-2010, 06:38 PM

I just picked up a new to me 2004 C320 4matic Station Wagon to add to the family.

It has torn CV boots on the front of both sides. I've looked for instructions on how to clean, grease and then put on new boots. Any assistance will be helpful!

Thanks.

mbdoc · #2 12-06-2010, 08:16 AM

Here you go.

Make sure to change fluid in the TRANSFER case as well!

EPineda · #3 12-06-2010, 09:40 AM

MB Doc, I had the same problem with torn/cracked inner CV boot on my 04
C240 4Matic so I followed the instructions you provided earlier. So far so good, until a few weeks ago when I noticed a leak by the differential case closest to the right front CV axle. The fluid/grease leaking is very sticky, an indication of either grease or gear oil. The inner CV looks kind of dry, so could it be I messed up the right front axle seal in the front differential case during re-installation of the axle? I understand there is not much hypoid gear oil in the case in the first place, I'm afraid to ruin it when it runs dry. Can you please provide instructions on refilling the front differential and/or how to replace an axle seal, also? Once again, I thank you so much for your kind assistance.

mbdoc · #4 12-06-2010, 10:38 AM

Yes EPineda, the right side seal should be replaced anytime that axle is removed.

drbrad · #5 12-06-2010, 07:48 PM

Many thanks Doc.....

drbrad · #6 12-08-2010, 10:46 PM

so, I've taken a look at the job. It looks really tight and might be too big of a job for a weekender like me.

I think I might just take it to someone to do the job right and get it done....

How much do you think it would be to do all four boots?

EPineda · #7 12-09-2010, 09:58 AM

MB Doc, Thanks for the info you provided. Leaking axle seal was replaced & differential case was refIlled with MB oem hypoid gear oil. So far, so good, oil/grease leak no longer an issue. Local shop with a lift did it for me for $120 labor. I provided the parts.

EPineda · #8 12-09-2010, 10:21 AM

drbrad, when I replaced my right front CV boots, it was not a real hard job to do but was kind of messy. Instructions provided by MBDoc were precised & accurate. However, I could have used a different inner CV boot (picture of which is included in instructions from MBDoc) for a 08 C300 4Matic (W204) had I know it would also fit. This boot uses a clamp that's easy to install (can be leaked proof) instead of 'crimping' the metal band of the C240's oem inner boot. I have both cars and was able to take measurements to compare them. At least next time this is the part I will use - if my other side CV boot fails.

drbrad · #9 12-10-2010, 10:51 PM

So my buddy's Mercedes "Backyard Mechanic" just called and cancelled on me. He said he couldn't do the CV boots for me. He said its a really tough job and its really tight under the car.

So my options are to bring it to the dealer, look for another shop, or do it myself. I think I could probably tackle the job, but not sure how big a job this would be.

Any opinions of what I should do???

drbrad · #10 12-11-2010, 12:01 AM

@MB Doc. Do you have any instructions on how to remove the front axles?

EPineda · #11 12-11-2010, 10:57 AM

drbrad, I hope you don't mind if I give you additional pointers - through my experience on these cv joints. The stealership does not rebuiltd but only replace these cv axle at a small fortune. But you can have these cv joints rebuild. Granted you can take the axles out, go to ********.com website, find your car, go under 'drivetrain'. There you'll find the info where you can send these out and have them rebuild for $68.79 each, + core but you should not have to pay for the core charge since you'll be getting back your own axles - pay only for rebuilding. You'll spend more on parts if you rebuild the cv's yourself. The rebuilder is A-1 Cardone, they do good jobs on these cv's.

drbrad · #12 12-11-2010, 11:58 AM

many thanks Josemin for all of your assistance.

Do you have the instructions on how to remove the axles? Was it as difficult as the mechanic is making it out to be? I'd love to read over your instructions and appreciate any pointers you have!

thanks again,
Brad.

drbrad · #13 12-12-2010, 07:35 PM

I jacked up the Wagon today and had a look to see what I was dealing with. When I had the car inspected the inspector said that the boots were torn because there was grease everywhere!

So I was prepared to redo all four boots, but when I had a look, the boots were fine! The problem was that the larger end of the left outer boot had become completely loose and the clamp was just dangling. The right outer boot had become loose and grease was leaking out. The inners looked okay.

So my question is how can I regrease the joint and then reclamp the boot? The joint looks clean and if I can get away with just this job, I'd redo it properly when the weather gets a little better and I can do this in the driveway. My garage is too small and tight to work on the axles right now....

So, any help or suggestions on how to reattach the CV boots without having to take off the axle, is appreciated!

Brad.

EPineda · #14 12-13-2010, 09:13 AM

This may or may not work but it is worth a try (what have you got to lose anyway). If your CV is not bad yet (no clicking sound when driving) you could try pushing back the boot (to expose the CV joint) and pushing in the grease to the joint as much as you can, much like repacking the bearings. MB recommend to use the oem cv grease, PN 001-989-03-51-10 (double check the part number with the dealer). Then, pull back the boot and installed a new clamp, crimping it to make sure it cannot move or rotate and won't leak. You can do these at each side. Hopefully this would work. Actually, the best way is to pull out the cv axle out of the car, checking it to make sure the joint is still ok, taking out and cleaning the bearings and cages, repacking the bearings/cages, etc. It make good sense to replace the clamps and boots if you can as these parts do deteriorate, crack and/or turn brittle over time.

Click on the link below for the info you could use to pull out the CV axles. I used this info as reference to pull out my CV axle. If it does not open, copy the address and paste it to you web browser:

http://www.automedia.com/CV_Rehab/ccr20021101cv/1

Good Luck!

mbdoc · #15 12-14-2010, 08:36 AM

Only with the axle removed can those boots be replaced.