Hi All,

I have recently discovered both front inner CV boots are torn on the 4-matic wagon. The joints are not making any noise. I took the car to a MB dealer and was told both front axles would need to be replaced at a cost of $3200 for parts and labor. So now I need to know "How should it really be replaced?". Is it possible for an indepenant MB mechanic to split the joint and put on new boots? Thanks for the help.

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Brian
'99 E320
'73 Carrera RS

Shop at some independents and check some parts stores for prices. The aftermarket sells rebuilt half-shafts for most cars, but the 4-Matic was not a high volume model, so maybe rebuilt half-shafts aren't available.

I lost a CV-joint boot on a VW Rabbit over 20 years ago, but I caught it right away and took it to the dealer. They removed the shaft, and there was no damage to the CV joint, so they repacked the joint and assembled it with a new boot. It wasn't too expensive, and I never had another problem with it while I owned the car.

Duke

Brian,
I've owned my 91 300TE 4M for three years now, and in that time have replaced all four front CV boots. Or rather, my indie has. I just use the best tool in my possession, i.e., my wallet. When I bought the wagon it had 66k mi. it now has 134k mi.. I think the last CV boot (outside right) was done about 5k mi. ago.
If there is no damage to the joint (and there probably isn't if you don't off-road) all that is necessary is to have the boot replaced. Split boots don't work. I've tried them. If you have medium/medium high DIY skils you can do it yourself. The replacement boot kits from MB come with all the parts and the right grease, but you'll need their special crimp tool for the bands.
Good Luck,
Hazen Arnold
91 300TE 4Matic
134k mi.

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Hazen Arnold
Happiness is a well stocked
garage.

Duke and Hazen,

Thanks for the info. Is it a big job to take the axle off to put the boots on? The inner and outer boots look different so I assume one boot kit has both boots for each axle. So I would need 2 kits right? Thanks again.

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Brian
'99 E320
'73 Carrera RS

Big job? Not particularly. I've seen it done by pros on two occasions, and I'd much rather watch and pay the money. Cleaning and re-greasing the bearings and picking them up off of the shop floor didn't look like much fun
Pulling the axle and removing it from the wagon took some dissassembly of the steering hardware, idler arm and tie rods as I recall. Nice to have the proper tools and technique so as not to tear the link boots.
Having the right crimp tool for the bands around the CV boots was imperative. looked like to me.
As long as your going to the trouble you might as well do both. If doing the inboard boot you don't need to take apart the outboard joint, but if you do the outer you have to remove the inner, or vice versa. I can't remember. The job is NOT in the MB Service Manual Library CD for Model 124
As I recall my indie charged me around $300 for the job.
Sorry I can't be more help.
Hazen

__________________
Hazen Arnold
Happiness is a well stocked
garage.

Hazen,

Thanks for the info. I won't be doing the job either but it is great to know it can be done without replacing the entire axle shaft on both sides for a bunch of $$$. I'll find an indep. mechanic and get him on it. Thanks again.

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Brian
'99 E320
'73 Carrera RS

Brian,
You're most welcome. The only reason to replace the half-shaft is if it's worn to the point of loose. Make sure the indie knows MB's. Ask the forum for recommendations of a known good shop in your area. I'm sure someone will be happy to help.
Happy Trails to you!
Hazen

__________________
Hazen Arnold
Happiness is a well stocked
garage.