My BBB Doesn't Cover Pivot Shaft in Rear Axle

[DaveinOC]

Hi all,

I've had my '66 230SL for over 35 years now and purchased the BBB available at that time. It is in English but was "Printed in Germany". I have a section 35 but it does not cover the rear axle and differential in detail and doesn't show anything of the pivot shaft, the o-rings and washers or the bushing (clunk bushing I believe). I've searched the forums and have gleaned a great amount of information, but would like some photos showing the orientation of the various washers and bushings in the pivot pin/axle halves.

I know you can still find a version of the BBB on ebay but if it's the same one I have it won't help me.

I've seen links to MBMANUALS.COM like this:

 https://mbmanuals.com/series/113/

Does anyone know if the $34.95 set of complete manuals covers the rear axle in great detail? It claims to include a set of manuals and over 1300 pages in pdf format for download. I'd like to have a good reference if I am about to dive into removing the rear axle and disassembling and reassembling the pivot and clunk bushing. I'll also update anything else that need it, IIRC I did replace the boot with a one piece version about 25 years ago when I broke the u-joint/slipshaft and replaced that.

regards,

Dave

[Vander]

Dave, 

As you know that book was printed originally in 59. MB issued a supplement in July of 1966. Here is a picture of what it included.

[DaveinOC]

Hi Vander,

You are showing the loose bound book or various updates in the loose leaf format. I bought the soft bound manual (now falling apart!) that was available in about 1987 or so from MBUSA, but it doesn't include those updated sections, even though the foreword states "This Service Manual refers to the passenger cars built from August 1959 to December 1967 of models ... 230 SL... 250 SL..." Not much I can do to fix that now, which is why I wondered if anyone could tell me if that online version included the information that you apparently have that I don't. Alternatively I guess I could ask an ebay seller to photocopy that contants page you have that shows the rear axle repair in depth. I just don't want to waste $150 or more for an ebay  pig in a poke when I could use it for parts...

Thanks for showing that!

Dave

[dirkbalter]

Dave,
As you already found out, the single volume BBB does not cover all of the areas. Its a better service manual, as it says.
You can view the full (3 Volume) version of the manual on the German web side below.
 https://forum.mercedesclub.de/
I collected some information on the subject when I did my rear end. If interested, I can send it to you.
Dirk 

[DaveinOC]

Thanks Dirk,

I may take you up on that. I think it's going to take me a few weeks to get my garage ready, like sell off the last motorcycle, the utility trailer, etc. I did find a decent sketch in the Haynes manual so I think I know how many o-rings there are supposed to be, and where in relationto the sleeves and spacers. I think it's a testament to the 60s MB engineers that many of these things are only now failing. As I said I worked in a mostly MB shop for s few years in the 1970s and we never had any reason to work on the rear axles other than wheel bearings and seals. I'll give you a holler if I would like that info - you might hear me in Corona, I'm just on the other side of the hill in Anaheim Hills!

Regards,

Dave

[dirkbalter]

Sounds good. We should get together. I am down the road (91) just behind the OC / Riverside border.
 

[afibbe]

Dirk

I am starting the reinstall of my ‘66 rear axle and having the same issues with needing more information. It would be a big help if you could send me the information you have.

[dirkbalter]

Dirk

I am starting the reinstall of my ‘66 rear axle and having the same issues with needing more information. It would be a big help if you could send me the information you have.

Alex,
PM send.