Drive Shaft Dilemma

[bpossel]

 :evil: The new drive shaft that I installed from Driveline Service of Portland did not have serviceable grease fitting on the rear end, as advertised.  I went ahead and have already installed this on my car (as per earlier post).

I just spoke to Driveline and they said this was clearly an error on their part, however their 50k warranty will still be maintained and they are sending me this statement in writing.  Note: They said that their warranty is only valid if the shaft is maintained (greased).

 :?: Question, should I demand another shaft be delivered?  Of course this would require me to re-install “again”!  What am I loosing by simply letting this go and keeping the one they sent me (w/o the rear grease fitting, which is just like the original shaft)?

Thanks for your advice and comments.
Bob


bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[JimVillers]

Bob .... Not all universal joints have grease fittings.  The new ones for my MGB also did not have grease fittings; new cars do not have grease fittings so I would expect that yours were made with the current technology of grease and seals.  I would not worry in the least.  The worst that could happen is that the next owner might need to replace the universal.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor, MGB 5-Speed

[Vince Canepa]

I agree with Jim.  In fact, I have never seen a factory grease fitting on an M-B universal (I don't know about earlier models).  My point is that after some 13 or so M-B since the late 60's, I have never had a universal fail, so I don't think a greasable one is any advantage.

Vince Canepa
1967 250SL
113.043-10-001543
568H Signal Red
116 Caviar MB-Tex

[bpossel]

Jim, Vince,

Thanks!  I was hoping for that answer.  I really didnt want to replace the entire shaft again.  I will, however, be pulling the front of the shaft loose again this weekend and installing the rubber seal on the transmission output shaft (in between the flex disk and the end of the drive shaft).

Thanks again,
Bob



bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[mdsalemi]

Guys,

For what its worth:

The u-joints on my OLD drive shaft prior to restoration had failed: there was play in them, and they were "notchy".  That's why I replaced with them with a Driveline of Portland shaft.

Personally, I'd send it back.  My 2 cents.  They advertise greaseable, and that's what you should get.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored