Recommend shop in SoCal San Diego Area for Rear Axle Rebuild

[JohnnyC]

Can anyone recommend a reputable shop in the San Diego or Los Angeles areas that can do a rear axel rebuild.  I have a '70 280SL.  I have removed the complete axel assembly from the car, compensating spring, brake assemblies and backing plates.  I have not removed the pinion shaft crown nut.  I am in need of the flex boot replacement, axel shaft seals, etc...  I don't think any internals need replacing unless I am advised to do so while at a shop. 

Cheers and Thank you,
JohnnyC.

[mrfatboy]

Call Franz at Silver Star Mercedes in Escondido.

He should be able to help you one way or another👍

[JohnnyC]

Thank you MrFatBoy.  I’ve seen that shop and I had plans to check it out.  I’ll go there this weekend and show Frank pictures of the project.  If you get a chance, you’re more than welcome to come to my house and check out my car.  I’m in Hidden Meadows.

Cheers and thank you,
JohnnyC

[ja17]

Yes, a good opportunity to replace all wheel bearings, seals and rubber parts.

[mrfatboy]

Thank you MrFatBoy.  I’ve seen that shop and I had plans to check it out.  I’ll go there this weekend and show Frank pictures of the project.  If you get a chance, you’re more than welcome to come to my house and check out my car.  I’m in Hidden Meadows.

Cheers and thank you,
JohnnyC

Good.  You are close by to Franz👍  Maybe our San Diego group can get together after the holidays.

Jon B is usually our organizer😀

[JohnnyC]

Thank you MrFatBoy,  much appreciated.  I’ll keep in touch.

Cheers and God Bless,
JohnnyC

[JohnnyC]

Thank you ja17.  I’ll post my results/conclusions later.

Cheers and God Bless,
JohnnyC

[Benz Dr.]

I often replace the steel bushings at the hinge due to wear. The bronze alloy bushings will also wear but they tend to do that a much slower rate. If we split the axle in two we always use a solid boot.

Special attention must be paid to setting the pin to 90 degrees to the left axle tube and 158 mm from the face of the pinion flange. BBB has this covered really well.

[JohnnyC]

Thank you for your advice Benz Dr.  Do you sell the replacement Bronze Bushings ( and other parts).

I do have the BBB and have read about many measurement locations the will need attention, now and during reinstalling components throughout the car.  I have over 1000 pictures of assemblies, with bolt measurements for reassurance when reassembled in a few photo albums.

Cheers and thank you,
JohnnyC

[Benz Dr.]

We use some very basic tools to do our measurements. A carpenters square, tape rule, and a basic level. It's not that hard to set up as long as you have a level area to work from and then shim the bottom of the diff with cardboard and paper until the left axle tube is perfectly level.

Bushings are readily available - not cheap but if you need them don't economize.

[JohnnyC]

Thank you Benz Dr.  Would you happen to sell various MB parts?

Cheers and thank you,
JohnnyC

[Jonny B]

Franz is the person to speak with.

As Mrfatboy says, hope to get a gathering of the SD group after the Holidays.