67 230sl rear axle shaft... holy smokes!! How hard to I hit it

[Dfalca]

Hello all
Drum brakes, accessing the back plate, had to remove axle shaft to gain access. used a slide hammer to pull it out. Seals are good, now want to smack it back in.... Man I am crushing this thing and it is not advancing. Whats the deal? does it need to be in a certain way? on jacks a certain way? lubricated a certain way? I am scared to hit it too hard, thinking I would mess up the fine grooves. Please help.
Thxs
Rookie from CA
Dave

[ja17]

Hello Dave,

Are you working on the left or right side?  The right side has a special barrel roller bearing which swivels. It can be difficult to re-install in the axle tube. In any case, level up the axle tube, then tap the axle/bearing assembly in. If your working on the right side you may need to re-align the bearing as you install it. Often times it will swivel "out of position" as you try to install it. Just be patient and re-align it and try again. Keep us up-to-date.

[Dfalca]

Thank you! Will try aligning this weekend. Hopefully the stars are out.

[Dfalca]

Figured it out. The inside where the shaft goes was not lined up, it seemed if I raised or lowered the jack it would line up. I did not have to pound it in. More like tap it in with a small handheld 5 lb mallet.  Thank you for your help.