W111 (& W113 230SL) drive shaft bearing removal

[PeterPortugal]

Gents,

I am trying to remove the bearing housing from my drive shaft...without success. There are numerous posts about this so it is obviously a common problem but I could not find any posts where the successful technique was identified. Just various threats from the posters to use force, heat, what have you.

This is actually a spare drive shaft because my original one is away being overhauled. The company discovered the bearing housing was damaged and asked me if I could supply another one. For obvious reasons I don't want to damage this one but it really is stuck.

I have removed the large circlip but cannot remove the part which the circlip retains in the housing. That is tight but the bearing turns fine. Have I got everything out ready to remove the bearing housing? Should I be a bit more adventurous with the puller? I don't want to break the flange on this piece, they are no longer available.

All advice appreciated.

Regards

Peter

[dirkbalter]

Hey Peter,
Keeping the puller under tension and applying heat has helped me in a few of these tight applications. Applying heat to the bearing seat area while tightening the puller has helped me free these stubborn parts.
(My drive shaft housing however was easy to remove)

[PeterPortugal]

Hi Dirk,

Thanks for the response. I will give this a try but I only have an electrical heat gun (presumably made for paint stripping) and not a naked flame like a plumber would use. It might not be enough but who knows !

Cheers

Peter

[wwheeler]

Won't take much heat because that is an aluminum housing and that material expands quickly at lower temperatures. 

[PeterPortugal]

I am afraid I have just paid the ultimate price of working too hastily.

The only thing to give way was the lip that the puller was working against. Maybe it can be welded if I can get the housing off but that thing is absolutely solid.

Any more ideas ?

[wwheeler]

The one on my '60 220SE Ponton was the old fashioned style with a greaseable bearing. Let me look at the parts diagram to refresh my memory. You can weld aluminum easily if you know a good welder.

[PeterPortugal]

Hi Wallace,

My part is the same as on your Ponton. 180-413-02-01.

I have managed to buy a new one but I suspect it is one of those places which will soon send me an email saying they cannot fulfill the order. Welding might be oK, but I still have to get that sucker off. I am eyeing up a heavy lump hammer right now.

Regards

Peter