Axle Boot Clamp size needed

[JPMOSE]

280SE 3.5 Cabriolet:   OK......So it has been a fun summer! A friend of mine and I took out the rear axle, driveshaft, rear suspension and replaced all the rubber components along with the seals in the axle shafts. Oh yes, Additionally I replace the rear brake lines rotors and brand new calipers. But the original flip clamps are not tight enough for the new axle boot on the large side.  So I ordered from authentic classics the Norma boot clamp set which is 115 mm on the large side. Unfortunately, it is  not large enough! Perhaps the boot is a little thicker nowadays from Mercedes? Well I wanted to stick with the flip clamp, I thought this Norma style clamp would be great! Oh well!!

Does anyone have a suggestion on the correct size?  By the way, 10 years ago I complained of a little cowl shake and assumed this was due to being a Cabriolet!  I did not realize how bad the differential mount was in the trunk! This is what started it all! Then I decided why not.... just replace all of the rubber behind the transmission! What a huge difference! Plus, I replaced all the steering linkages and subframe/engine mounts, transmission mount, driveshaft bearing and rubber doughnut, flex disk, centering bushing and shifter bushings.   No more shake and better handling/ride quality to boot!!

[JPMOSE]

Let me add one more thing:  I wanted to use genuine Mercedes parts on all of this because their rubber is like no other! But the engine mounts and a few other items were hard to find.  Some of the parts were discontinued. I did manage to find them with a lot of searching. They will probably be re-introduced someday, But at the age of 63 I did not wanna wait till that point! LOL My point to this is start collecting inventory of the items you want for the future and do not put it off as some of the parts may never be re-introduced. We are so blessed with Mercedes that most of the parts are available!

[JPMOSE]

So the problem has been solved! The classic center had the correct clamp which is 121 mm for the large side and 85 mm for the small side. Plus, they are not worm clamps which makes me happy.

Now...on to the power steering pump rebuilding project!!   

[dirkbalter]

JP,
Just went through the same and I am also working on the power steering now. Are you just rebuilding the pump or the box as well?

[JPMOSE]

Just doing all the seals, including the pressure value seal (which typically isn’t included in the kit).  It does not even leak, but I’m restoring the compressor and want to paint the reservoir and put the yellow letters back on the top. The box seems to be OK thank God! I rebuilt the one on my 250SL, Which is pretty much the same  pump.Also getting ready to do the front main seal which has a slight leak. Have a great weekend!

[dirkbalter]

Lol.
I just bought the O-Ring for the pressure valve at my local MB dealer. I happened to be there for some other issue and figured its the easiest instead of searching elsewhere. When the parts guy told me $ 16 for one O-ring, I was ready to pass out. After questioning the price amongst some other things, he gave it to me for $8.50.
Have a nice week end too.     

[PeterPortugal]

JP - I am following the same course of action. I have done the front end and am currently on the prop shaft. I will finally get round to the rear axle someday !!