Prop shaft centre bearing

[georgem]

I have just finished reinstalling the engine after an accident repair. Got the engine in and bolted down, new flex disc connected THEN realised I had had  a seniors moment - I had intended replacing the centre bearing and rubber donut but in the excitement of getting the engine back in had forgotten about them - I have a new bearing and donut in a box on the shelf.

So, is it possible to disconnect the prop shaft at the diff and pull it out through the back. will it separate at the spline and allow me to replace the bearing?  If this is not possible, plan B is to leave the old one in; there were no symptoms of wear I- just thought it worth while to do seeing I had the engine out (grrrrr)

Thanks in advance for any help,

cheers

[ja17]

Hello George,

The center drive  shaft bearing very seldom fails on these cars. The drive shaft centering bushing/flange at the flex disc should be examined for damage and replaced if damaged. The flex disc does go bad from time to time and it can be replaced without removing the drive shaft.
In any case the drive shaft is removable with the engine and trans in the car.

[Benz Dr.]

If you do remove the drive shaft make sure you mark everything before you pull it apart. Everyhing should go back together the same way it came apart. The spline way can be installed in any position but there's only one that's right.  If you remove any U joints they should be marked as well.
The drive shaft has a front and rear section which should also be marked so that everything stays ballanced.

[georgem]

Thanks Jo and Dr B,

Very helpful (as usual), especially the bit which says "the centre shaft bearing rarely fails".


Cheers