Rear Axle Removal

[bpossel]

Hello All,

I know this may have been covered, but had trouble with an answer...

Tomorrow, the bodyshop will remove the front & rear axles.

Question: can the rear axle be removed without removing the compensating spring?  Can the rear axle be removed as a complete unit?

Any tips, suggestions?

  Thank You!
Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[jeffc280sl]

I believe it can.  Both of the SE axles I purchased came with compensating springs.  Joe is the real person to ask. I think the only concern is the the swing axle half opening to a point where the differential universal joint puts pressure on the outside edge of the diff housing.  I'm talking about the edge where the flexible boot connects the diff to the axle.  Here is a pic of what I'm talking about.



Download Attachment: diff case and right uni.jpg
44.48 KB

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[glennard]

Bob, IMHO, yes and yes.  Is it more fun than king pin repair?  Non sequitor- How does the cam bolt in the top control arm get lubricated?  Not the threaded pin for caster.  The inside cam bolt- on the length of the inclosed bolt and the rotating 3/4" bushings at either end?  :?:

[mdsalemi]

Bob,

Just after re-assembly and before re-installation...

Download Attachment: Rear Axle and Differential on Bench Small.jpg
67.15 KB


...does this answer your question?

and in case you are asking about the front, again, after re-assembly and just before re-installation:

Download Attachment: Front Suspension Complete Small.jpg
73.31 KB

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[ja17]

Hello Bob,

As you can see from Michael's photo the rear end can be removed with the spring in place. However as Jeff pointed out, be carefull when allowing the differential to hinge all the way downward. The thin casting  can be cracked by the slide joint inside.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[al_lieffring]

quote:Originally posted by glennard

Bob, IMHO, yes and yes.  Is it more fun than king pin repair?  Non sequitor- How does the cam bolt in the top control arm get lubricated?  Not the threaded pin for caster.  The inside cam bolt- on the length of the inclosed bolt and the rotating 3/4" bushings at either end?  :?:

The camber cam bolt does not get lubed when the front end is greased because it is not a moving component of the suspension.
The caster pivot does because it is a working suspension component, so the grease from the zerk fitting is directed there. And yes, because the inner cam bolt doesn't get greased they usualy are stuck in place when it comes time to reset the front end alignment. I have had to burn out a bunch of them with a cutting torch to get the front ends apart.

Al Lieffring
66 230SL

[bpossel]

Thank You Al, Joe, Mike, Glennard, and Jeff!!!

Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[glennard]

Bingo, Al.  That cam bolt becomes a 'non moving' part! :twisted:  and no more camber adjustment.  We've got to invent an  adhesive as strong as rust.?!?!?

[glennard]

And no more caster!