Rear Axle Rubber Boot

[bpossel]

Merry Christmas!

The body shop dropped off my front and rear axle back at my house this past week.  I am going to clean, repair and paint these myself.

Today I cleaned my rear axle and removed the 2 metal strapping clamps that hold the rubber boot in place.  I had a very slight leak, that I "think" came from the boot???  I know it wasnt from the pinion seal because I already had replaced that.

But now as I have cleaned the boot and rotated it all the way around, it looks really good!  The rubber is in great shape and I dont see any cracks or splits anywhere.

So my question to the group is...
1.  Should I just leave this boot in and put the clamps back on?
2.  Try and replace with a solid boot?  
3.  Replace with a split boot?
4.  Replace strapping clamps with newer modern ones or try and figure out how to restrap each side?  Looks pretty tricky... :oops:

Thanks for your input!
Bob

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

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Bob,

Just sent you a pm on the carrier pin.  The rubber boots I have seen were very thick and in good shape.  I replaced them just because I tore the axle down completely.  Removing the pin to separate the axle housing from the diff is a bit of a pain.  If you are going to replace the center pin bushing I would also replace the boot.  No extra work.  What you decide to do depends on the carrier pin and after that the condition of the boot.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[J. Huber]

I've always heard that the reason the split boot is nice is because its so difficult to change while still on the car. With it off, I'd be inclined to use a full boot...

James
63 230SL

[waqas]

Bob,

I found myself with a similar dilemma when I replaced my rear axle a few years ago. I had a slightly different take on things: I ended up cleaning up the boot and surrounding metal really well and then re-clamping it back on using new strapping clamps. (The boot looked great!) No leaks ever since.

My reasoning: If the axle was to be split, I would've replaced with another whole (non-split) boot. BUT, I didn't need to separate the axle (axle was fine), hence replacement would've had to be the split type (unless I decided to split the axle for no other reason). I opted to keep my original boot, as it was in fabulous shape.

I replaced the pin-bushing without separating the axle by removing the front plate off the differential (I was doing the pinion seal at the same time), and sliding the differential hangar off the pin. Look up my long thread titled "replacing my 230sl differential". In theory, I suppose you can probably remove the pin in it's entirety without separating the axles, but I've no experience doing that.

Waqas in Austin, Texas

[jsaylor]

Bob,

When I pulled my rear end I replaced all the rubber and the boot.  If it's out and in front of  you, why not.  I've been following your repaint project and am impressed with your commitment to do it right.  Why stop now?

Aloha,

Jim Saylor
Kauai, Hawaii
'65 230SL

[bpossel]

Hello Jim, Waqas, James, Jeff,

Thank you for your comments and suggestions!  It is really nice to hear from you and others from our group.  It gives me the confidence I need to keep going and doing this right.  This is the same with all of the work that I have done so far on my 113 over the past several years.

Since I am replacing the center carrier rubberized pin as part of this project, the boot should be easy to replace :?: .  With the pin out, the axle halves will be separated.  Even if my boot is good, I will replace since the axles will be apart. I ordered the new boot via SLS, but didnt see the strapping clamps???  I guess I will check with the dealer tomorrow.  I will also need new strapping for the small brake lines attached to the axle.

  Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
Bob

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

[Naj ✝︎]

Hello, Bob,

quote:Originally posted by bpossel

Hello Jim, Waqas, James, Jeff,

I ordered the new boot via SLS, but didnt see the strapping clamps???  I guess I will check with the dealer tomorrow.  I will also need new strapping for the small brake lines attached to the axle.

  Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
Bob

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

N900263 009000 Strapping (sold by the metre)
N900262 009100 Clamp

Above are for the brake lines.

Let me know if you find the clamps for the boot. I am rebuilding a back axle and looking for them as well.

naj

68 280SL

[bpossel]

Thanks Naj!
Bob

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

[ja17]

Hello Bob,

I believe the rear axle boot originally used the "S" type clamp.


Download Attachment: S clamp.jpg
42.44 KB

I hear these are no longer available. So you may want to try to salvage any originals you have. The metal straping is not special and can be replaced. The clamping mechanism is unique.

If you are not overly concerned about such a minor detail, the one thing to consider when replacing the clamps is the width. The original clamps are not as wide as your standard USA hardware store variety. the groove in the rubber of the axle boot is made for the less wide clamps. Most likely any good clamps will do the job, but having ones that fit right is a plus. Original Mercedes clamps do not have the cut slots in the bands of the clamps so they do not extrude and damage the rubber as the clamps are tightened. In addition the sides of the newer Mercedes clamp bands are slightly beveled upward so their side does not cut into the hose.... Just a minor detail but better quality.  

Mercedes used to supply a split boot clamp kit #110 357 0591 which contained the clips for the split axle boot and the correct size and width clamps for the boot. These clamps were a more modern "Norma" style clamp, but were the correct width. The kit was only a few dollars from the dealer. I am not sure if it is still available.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[bpossel]

Hello All,

Finally have gotten around to working on the rear axle.  Pulled apart the right axle from the main housing and have removed the old rubber boot.  Will replace with a new solid boot, new rubber ring bushings and a new pivot pin bushing.

Wanted to show how different the design is of the new and old pivot pin bushing....

http://picasaweb.google.com/mercedes280sl

Bob

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

[Naj ✝︎]

Hello, b,
Check the tightness of the bolt holding the U/J.
Mine just fell out!!

naj

68 280SL