Diff. pinion seal replacement ?

[Ben]

I plan to do this over the next week or so and was reading about it innthe Haynes manual. One question I have, I plan to do this job on a garage lift, so the rear wheels will hang down. I presume this is okay but wanted to check first !

Also the pinion slotted nut, is it the same as the one on the gearbox output shaft where the couling flange is ?  I dont have the correct socket but I was planning to sacrifice an old suitable socket and use the angle grinder on it to make one !

I am replacing the driveshaft centre bearing too and the flexible coupling but while I'm in there I need to check the gearbox output nut as i believe its loose, my speedo bumps a bit when I back off and I think Joe said that was a symptom of a loose nut !

Any advice or am I good to go ?

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[Naj ✝︎]

Ben,
I believe the gearbox and diff slotted nuts are different sizes:
check out:

http://www.samstagsales.com/SirTool/stm_0030.htm

http://www.samstagsales.com/SirTool/stm_0029.htm

May be easier to start with a piece of strong pipe rather than a socket?? - be interested to know how you get on. I have these jobs pending too.

naj

naj
'Kloines Scheisserle'
65 230SL
68 280SL

[Ben]

Hi Naj.........thanks for the links, at least now I know what the tools look like !

Yeah a piece of pipe sounds like an idea !

I'll let you know on Monday !  

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[ja17]

Hello Ben,
That pinion nut is different I believe. Be sure to orient the flex disc correctly. See the illustration in the BBB. Note where the flat washers go (always next to the flex disc). Also note the two different length bolts for the flex disc.
There is a sheetmetal lock plate which you will have to deal with when you attempt to tighten the flange nut. I normally remove the nut and lockplate replace the lockplate or straighten it. Re-install the nut and lock down the plate.  Be sure to lock into both the slot in nut and the notch in the flange. When the locknut and plate is off the flange can be removed and the rear transmission seal can be easily replaced if desired.
Hanging the wheels down should not create any problems. However have the wheels loaded when checking the diff. fluid.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Ben]

Joe thanks for the advice !

I managed to remove the drive shaft and the diff pinnion nut , IT WAS LOOSE !  I replaced the seal, which would've been a b1tch to get out but for the oil seal removal tool I borrowed.

I fitted the new doughnut, the correct way, but had to stop progress as the gearbox output flange nut is damaged and I'm not happy about re-using it. I'll order a new one now !

I managed without the special sockets, but I plan to buy or borrow them for re-installatiuon as I dont fancy using a drift or grips on either !

Naj......I followed your links, but are there any of these items available closer to home ?

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[ja17]

Hi Ben,
Many of these special "pronged" sockets are available from the dealer. They are not too expensive. Maybe you could re-sell  or rent them to another lister when finished? The exact part numbers are in the BBB.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio