Quaife installations issues. C32 rear axles the same as all W203's?
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2002 C32 AMG
Quaife installations issues. C32 rear axles the same as all W203's?
Hey guys,
I'm having issues with the install of my Quaife LSD on my 2002 C32 AMG. Although Quaife says their new part number LSD is supposed to work with the 2002 model axles, this doesn't seem to be the case. My car is sitting at Oakridge Auto right now. The axles don't seem to lock into place. At first the tech thought they just pressure fit and lock against the LSD. I drove the car for 2 weeks, the axles got lose and spewed oil all over my exhaust. Basically the axles started moving in and out of the diff. Scary stuff on the highway. I've been trying to get tech support from quaife and work things out with the mechanic, but things don't look good. Worse case senario, I'll have to find a set of '03+ axles and foot the bill. I see a lot of cheap W203 axles for sale on ebay. Anyone know if our cars use the same axles as the rest of the W203 lineup? I can't seem to find C32 axles anywhere, even new.
From all the people I've talked to, it seems like a c-clip is required to lock the stub axles into place. I'm confused when the tech said that they pressure fitted and just locked by themselves against the diff. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to differentials, so I don't know how they should be installed. Anybody know if special clips or spacers are required for install? The tech says he only used all original hardware. No special hardware came with the Quaife unit.
If anyone has insight into the problem I'm having or has a good set of '03+ axles for sale, please chime in.
thanks,
Bryan
I'm having issues with the install of my Quaife LSD on my 2002 C32 AMG. Although Quaife says their new part number LSD is supposed to work with the 2002 model axles, this doesn't seem to be the case. My car is sitting at Oakridge Auto right now. The axles don't seem to lock into place. At first the tech thought they just pressure fit and lock against the LSD. I drove the car for 2 weeks, the axles got lose and spewed oil all over my exhaust. Basically the axles started moving in and out of the diff. Scary stuff on the highway. I've been trying to get tech support from quaife and work things out with the mechanic, but things don't look good. Worse case senario, I'll have to find a set of '03+ axles and foot the bill. I see a lot of cheap W203 axles for sale on ebay. Anyone know if our cars use the same axles as the rest of the W203 lineup? I can't seem to find C32 axles anywhere, even new.
From all the people I've talked to, it seems like a c-clip is required to lock the stub axles into place. I'm confused when the tech said that they pressure fitted and just locked by themselves against the diff. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to differentials, so I don't know how they should be installed. Anybody know if special clips or spacers are required for install? The tech says he only used all original hardware. No special hardware came with the Quaife unit.
If anyone has insight into the problem I'm having or has a good set of '03+ axles for sale, please chime in.
thanks,
Bryan
Last edited by Autotechnica; 10-27-2012 at 10:41 AM.
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1990 300ce supercharged and intercooled
If you do not have retainer clips on the axles then you need them. Early axles that bolt on the clips that hold the axle flanges in the differential are installed from inside with the rear cover removed from the differential. You cannot do this with the Quaife unit and have to add clips. The axle flanges may need to be machined for the clip to fit properly. Really a light cut in the groove for the clips to fit properly. Get the clips for the later one piece axles. They are cheap. I just did this on a earlier Mercedes differential. Different model but same idea. Used the clips that go with your differential.
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2002 C32 AMG
Would it be easier/cheaper simply to get the new style axles? I don't know if the shop I have it at is willing to do any custom work. What boggles my mind is how they could simply give the car back to me and tell me it's properly installed without any sort of securing clips being used. I appreciate the information. However, if this is supposidely the new model LSD that works with older axles, why would custom work and additional hardware be required? Especially without any instructions? Is it assumed that the shop working on this would be able to figure this out?
thanks,
Bry
thanks,
Bry
#4
Email these guys www.birdsauto.com they have a kit you could buy to solve this problem, its a know issue.
Good luck.
Im planning on purchasing one soon.
Good luck.
Im planning on purchasing one soon.
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2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
EPC says that the C32 plug-in axles are only shared with the C 270 CDI (Europe only).
Here is what it should look like (from the 2003 version). The grooves are a liitle longer thatn the 2002 version.
Here is what it should look like (from the 2003 version). The grooves are a liitle longer thatn the 2002 version.
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2003 C32 AMG, 2015 RAM 1500 4x4, 2012 Merc GL450
2003 C32 one piece axles
My 2003 C32 has the one piece axles also, (they do not have the bolt flange) Do these need to be machined if I put the Quaife QDF7V in? I was hoping the Quaife would be a drop in replacement that I could do myself, could someone verify this for me, thanks James.
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2002 C32 AMG
Car is still sitting at the shop, no progress. I'm trying to get an answer from Quaife right now but seems like they aren't very helpful.
I don't even mind shelling out the cash to get the newer style axles, but brand new OEM 03+ axles will be pricey. From what people have replied so far, looks like standard W203 axles are not the same. I'm lost as to what to do. The shop I have it at doesn't seem to be into machining things, otherwise I'm sure they would have already come up with a solution for me. I will update you guys as I learn more.
I don't even mind shelling out the cash to get the newer style axles, but brand new OEM 03+ axles will be pricey. From what people have replied so far, looks like standard W203 axles are not the same. I'm lost as to what to do. The shop I have it at doesn't seem to be into machining things, otherwise I'm sure they would have already come up with a solution for me. I will update you guys as I learn more.
#11
I posted a link above, they sell the a kit to solve your problem. My friend has just finished installing in his 2002.
You need to make the call or your car will just be sitting their.
The kit is about $200.
You need to make the call or your car will just be sitting their.
The kit is about $200.
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2002 C32 AMG
Anyways, will report back tomorrow with the results. I'm crossing my fingers and hopefully this "kit" will hold my axles in place. I was so frustrated I was honestly considering selling my car (again).
Bry
Last edited by Autotechnica; 10-31-2012 at 09:43 PM.
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C63 AMG, P30
This kit should definitely work. I spoke with my installer and they said that they aswell have to custom fab a kit to make it work.
I'm pretty sure your issues are resolved now, but tomorrow you'll know for sure.
Good luck and let us know how it all pans out.
I'm pretty sure your issues are resolved now, but tomorrow you'll know for sure.
Good luck and let us know how it all pans out.
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2002 C32 AMG
Yep, my car works great. Sorry for the late reply. My car is stored for the winter so I don't get on this forum much. The fix my shop did worked. However, aside from the info I provided previously I can't tell you much more. I didn't get to see anything. The tech just explained what he did. Track tested the car and did a drift session, no issues at all.
Last edited by Autotechnica; 01-16-2014 at 07:46 PM.