RH Axle Universal Joint

[DavidBrough]

I am in the process of stripping and cleaning my replacement 3.46 axle and would like to strip it right down to check clean and paint everything. Most parts are now removed but I can’t seem to separate the right hand axle universal joint and wonder if there’s a standard way of doing this as mine seems very tight, I have removed the allen bolt that holds things together but the joint won’t budge. The manual refers to a suitable puller but needless to say I don’t seem to have one of those.

Once removed, will this allow the diff unit to be removed from the case? I have already removed the LH tube.

Assuming all this works, how do I then go about removing the pinion and bearings from the case?

Thanks



David Brough
1969 280SL Auto with A/C

[Naj ✝︎]

quote:Originally posted by DavidBrough

I am in the process of stripping and cleaning my replacement 3.46 axle and would like to strip it right down to check clean and paint everything. Most parts are now removed but I can’t seem to separate the right hand axle universal joint and wonder if there’s a standard way of doing this as mine seems very tight, I have removed the allen bolt that holds things together but the joint won’t budge. The manual refers to a suitable puller but needless to say I don’t seem to have one of those.

Once removed, will this allow the diff unit to be removed from the case? I have already removed the LH tube.

Assuming all this works, how do I then go about removing the pinion and bearings from the case?

Thanks



David Brough
1969 280SL Auto with A/C

Hello, David,

I think the u/j assembly may just need some prying. The splines are quite deep and there is also a collar on the u/j which engages into the planet gear.
Once the u/j is out, the crown wheel should just fall out of the casing.
I believe you will have to knock the pinion into the casing once the nut is off. You might want to index the nut position to the pinion if you are going to use the same bearings. This would the give you the same preload on the bearings when you reinstall.





naj

68 280SL

[DavidBrough]

Thanks Naj, the photos gave me the confidence to break out the large crow bar and the UJ came straight out.

Not so sure about the pinion though, does that just press/drift out as there doesn’t seem enough clearance between the gear face and the inside of the case? I would really like to remove it so I can have the case powder coated.

Made sure I indexed the pinion nut prior to removal but may well get a diff expert to refit it with a new crush washer.


David Brough
1969 280SL Auto with A/C

[Naj ✝︎]

Hello, David,
 

quote:Not so sure about the pinion though, does that just press/drift out as there doesn’t seem enough clearance between the gear face and the inside of the case? I would really like to remove it so I can have the case powder coated.

Sorry, not gone that far, so cannot comment.

Maybe JA or Jeff can advise.

naj

68 280SL

[ja17]

Hello David and Naj,

After you remove the pinion seal holder and tappered roller bearing, the pinion gear is easily removable. Yes pay attention to the location of the slotted pinion nut unless you are planning on going through the new "crush sleeve" procedure.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[DavidBrough]

Thanks Joe, however, I still can’t remove the pinion. I have everything stripped down with pinion seal and cover removed and can see the front bearing but can’t see how to remove it. Is there a trick to this as I have tried to leaver it with screw drivers but it won’t budge.


David Brough
1969 280SL Auto with A/C

[ja17]

Hello David,

Place a good heavy center punch in the divit in the threaded end of the pinion and slightly tap it. The bearing should come loose. Screw the special slotted nut in place before you begin.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[DavidBrough]

Thanks Joe, a bit of hot air gun action, some medium strength taps with a hammer and punch and the pinion, bearings and crush washer are now all removed. Things are so much easier when you're shown how.



David Brough
1969 280SL Auto with A/C