Need to rebuild my rear axel

[CJHenderson]

Need an recommendation for a shop that can rebuild my rear axle for my 70 280SL nearest to Little Rock AR.

[Ed Riefstahl]

Hi CJ,
I'm afraid I can't help you with rebuild shop recommendations. I think that could be a tough one. Sounds like you are planning to take the entire car to have the axle removed, rebuilt and reinstalled.

Just curious, what is wrong with your axle that it needs rebuilt at 101k?
Good luck and keep us posted.

Ed Riefstahl
1966 230SL (Ms Magoo)
1970 280S (Miss Daisy)
1989 300SE (Majestic) - SOLD IT TODAY 7/18/23
1999 BMW Z3 5 speed
1991 BMW 318I 5 Speed
1997 Toyota Paseo Convertible - Red 5 speed (have you ever seen one?)
1997 Ford Ranger step side (Mater)
2023 Mazda CX 5

[CJHenderson]

Unfortunately, I screwed up. While on the jackstand I released the left shock for removal, when the left side of the axel slammed down now it's pigeon toed and will not straighten out. when I removed the spring, I can easily straighten it out with no problem.

[Benz Dr.]

Unfortunately, I screwed up. While on the jackstand I released the left shock for removal, when the left side of the axle slammed down now it's pigeon toed and will not straighten out. when I removed the spring, I can easily straighten it out with no problem.

You may have done more damage than you think. Doing what you described can also snap a piece of the housing from the main central housing - the part that holds the crown and pinion gears. Remove the axle boot and have a look. If it is cracked or broken it will constantly leak gear lube. It can be fixed by a competent welder.

[CJHenderson]

Ok thanks, I will do that. Can I replace the parts, or will I need to get another rear end if I can't get it fixed?

[Benz Dr.]

I can usually get my welder to fix them. I think two axles so far so it is not common but it can happen if you drop an axle tube that is not supported. Look first and then get back to me.
If it is broken, you will need to remove the axle. It can be driven but will always leak - some far more than others depending upon the break, if it is.

[CJHenderson]

It is a break. Attached is the photo of pieces. 

[Benz Dr.]

I hate when that happens. Usually, it breaks in a C shaped area and the whole piece can be welded back in. This requires that the whole axle be removed and taken apart. Once you have just the main diff housing a good welder can put it back together. Small pieces like yours may prove to be a challenge though.

It might be better to replace the whole axle. What is the gear ratio? 

[CJHenderson]

The ratio is either 3.69-1 or 3.92-1. By the looks of this break the welder will have to weld the two pieces together then weld it back onto the axel.

[CJHenderson]

Looks like I had more problem on the axel. After pulling the right housing off I found what appears to be cracks around the flange where the rubber boot goes over. Good for me that it can be welded. This poor car was totally handled and treated rough.

[CJHenderson]

Isn't the left axel housing a machined surface to the gear box housing and should not have Permatex? This one is permatexed and it's not coming off.