Need help installing new front driveshaft
03-30-2017, 02:36 PM
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Need help installing new front driveshaft
I had a real hard time getting the old driveshaft out. Ended up using a Sawzall. Could get it out any other wayou because the front of the driveshaft would hit the crossmember when I'd try to pull it down. Had to do some to be able to move the car from where it was at. Now I have the broken shaft out, other than the piece that broke which was at the ujoint(?) at the front. I just need to get the bolts out of it and pull that piece off. But my problem that I'm seeing is that when I go to put the new shaft in, once again the crossmember will be it the way. Anyone ran into this or have any suggestions? So close to having this car back on the road.
2008 C300 4matic
2008 C300 4matic
03-30-2017, 08:01 PM
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Top is where ithe broke at. Where it attaches to the front differential. Second pic is of the rear of the driveshaft and where it slides onto a spline that is attached to the transmission. I have the shaft part out, now I'm hearing that the diff has to be moved out of the way or maybe transmission to get the new drive shaft in? Idk, I ordered a repair manual off of eBay, I'll find out Tuesday if it's worth anything. I can't find any info whatsoever on this. Usually you can find something online.
03-30-2017, 08:07 PM
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ill look at my car tomorrow morning and see if I have an idea. I have the 4matic but a 13, should still be the same. I doubt you have to move the trans/diff.
06-16-2017, 11:19 PM
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09 C300, 13 C63, 14 C300, 10 VW GTI
I am in the middle of this same job looking for assistance. Shaft is unbolted, no way to get it out, subframe is in the way. Exhaust is off, heat shield is off and the body tunnel prevents me from being able to move the shaft up high enough to slide it off. Beyond frustrated. Dealer quoted 3 hours labor, NO WAY would they have gotten this done IMO.
06-17-2017, 11:44 AM
#6
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WIS (Mercedes workshop reference etc) calls for removal of the right catalytic converter in order to remove/install the front drive shaft. I can't find any way around that based on your picture, unfortunately.
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the.rook (06-20-2017)
06-17-2017, 05:41 PM
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09 C300, 13 C63, 14 C300, 10 VW GTI
I did remove the exhaust, and heat shield. You cannot move the shaft over/up far enough, it makes contact with the tunnel. Try to move it down and it hits the subframe.
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06-17-2017, 05:49 PM
#8
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I think you do have to loosen the front diff, I would have to look at in in WIS to be sure though. I know it's not a simple "unbolt and remove" deal, as you say it's not able to be slid out once you have it free.
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the.rook (06-20-2017)
06-20-2017, 11:10 AM
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09 C300, 13 C63, 14 C300, 10 VW GTI
Too bad no one has a DIY for this. There are a handful of threads on owners with this same issue. I will try to get one together if i can determine how to move the front diff out of the way. Thanks everyone!
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the.rook (06-20-2017)
11-20-2018, 11:43 PM
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I hope so, it's been well over a year.
Having done a few of these in the last couple months, the only thing I can say is you need to lower the trans as much as possible, I like to disconnect the exhaust to give me room, as once you unbolt it, you have to slide it forward and off the trans, then back and down. There is very little space. I usually remove the upper bolt on the diff that faces the flange to give you room, as you have to push the ujoint over and past the diff to line up the rear attachment first.
Having done a few of these in the last couple months, the only thing I can say is you need to lower the trans as much as possible, I like to disconnect the exhaust to give me room, as once you unbolt it, you have to slide it forward and off the trans, then back and down. There is very little space. I usually remove the upper bolt on the diff that faces the flange to give you room, as you have to push the ujoint over and past the diff to line up the rear attachment first.
11-21-2018, 10:02 AM
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C300 4matic
Check this article out it's about changing the flex disc this will help you.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm
Nelson
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm
Nelson
11-21-2018, 10:08 AM
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09 C300, 13 C63, 14 C300, 10 VW GTI
It was very difficult. I ended up removing the exhaust and lowering the transmission/engine until the engine hit the firewall.(need to be very careful doing that because the transmission linkage was not dissconected). It was difficult to get the splines lined up. I can’t recall exactly what I did to make it work other than carefully aligning parts. Force did not help in this instance.
11-21-2018, 10:43 AM
#16
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I hope so, it's been well over a year.
Having done a few of these in the last couple months, the only thing I can say is you need to lower the trans as much as possible, I like to disconnect the exhaust to give me room, as once you unbolt it, you have to slide it forward and off the trans, then back and down. There is very little space. I usually remove the upper bolt on the diff that faces the flange to give you room, as you have to push the ujoint over and past the diff to line up the rear attachment first.
Having done a few of these in the last couple months, the only thing I can say is you need to lower the trans as much as possible, I like to disconnect the exhaust to give me room, as once you unbolt it, you have to slide it forward and off the trans, then back and down. There is very little space. I usually remove the upper bolt on the diff that faces the flange to give you room, as you have to push the ujoint over and past the diff to line up the rear attachment first.
No issues with the output seal inside the transfer case leaking when you install a new front drive shaft ? I know that seals isn't fun to replace and having it leak after installing a new drive shaft is the last thing you want to see.
11-21-2018, 03:22 PM
#17
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Should be unrelated, if the seal is good before, it should be good after, but no I've not had one come back with a bad seal after a driveshaft replacement, on any of the cars I've done.
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W204Motorsports (11-21-2018)
