replace axle boot help
 

Hi guys,

I have a 72 250 W114 M130.

The axle boot on the rear passenger tore :(

Manual has a special tool to remove it. Is there anything else I can use to separate the half shaft?

Thanks

Bump...

These axles, like my '82 240D, use CV joints sealed inside two-piece steel cans. The factory procedure is to cut apart the cans on the outer joint, then press the joint off the shaft. After the new boots are in place, the tricky part is to install and crimp the new cans together, along with a new 'O' ring seal, so they don't leak. Some claim to have done this with pliers, but the factory calls for a special factory crimping tool. I have no idea where to get one, though one forum member recently posted how he spent many hours making his own 'factory' crimping tool.

There have also been several threads, mostly on the diesel forum, regarding using a special expansion-tool or cone or even a tranny-funnel to stretch softer aftermarket boots over the outer joint without removing the joint or disturbing the cans, with varying results.
I tried the tranny-funnel method unsucsessfully on my 240D and wound up getting rebuilt halfshafts through a local indie MB parts place, from CVJ in Denver CO.

Happy Motoring, Mark

OUCH!!!!

The manual states to remove the tire, fluid from differential, apply parking break, then attach a "suitable" puller and attach it to the hub using the road wheel bolts...

I take it there is no such tool available...

Thanks for your reply...

If you have a compressor, I have the boot installation tool available. Its even listed in the Rental Tools section here.

60 gal :D

PM sent...

When I did my 240D axles, there was no need for a puller on the outer wheel-flange or hub. The outer axle-joints came out from behind after removing the center bolts and tapping with a brass-drift.
I did need to remove the diff-cover and pull the clips to release the inner axle-joints.
The special tool I referred to is for crimping the replacement two-piece steel cans onto the axle-joint.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Thanks Mark,

Wouldn't a tool like this alleviate the need to cut the cans and recrimp?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp2vfkIxOnU

In fact you probably wouldn't even need to drain and remove the axle from the differential...

Anybody use a tool like this?

BTW where did you get the brass punch from?

I can't access U-tube, but I'll assume your clip shows the stretching-boot installation tool.
Some had problems with the softer aftermarket boots tearing, or the different design of those boots causing them to get pinched between the axle and the cans.
After attempting the tranny-funnel method, I decided not to waste any more time, and go with the CVJ rebuilts.

Some autoparts stores or places like Harbout Freight sell brass drifts. Maybe also Sears. Or you might be able to improvise something from some brass or aluminum pipe or rod.

Happy Motoring, Mark