Rear wheel drive shaft/bearing collar nut 32mm




I started working on my rear bushings replacement.
I would like to share and ask about metal work.
The collar nut has a locking mechanism which is simple but irritating to undo.
I thought it was this way
But on mine, MB does such a clean job, I can't even pry open the locking tab which got pressed so good and flat to the shaft...DUGHHH
I do not have such small width cold chisel, so I used screwdriver and the metal of the nut is so tough, can't cut the tab.
I just ordered a 6mm and 9mm cold chisel for LEFT side work. Now I am doing the RIGHT side.
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Ended up drilling the damn tab

ASK : What would be a better-clean way to un-fold/undo such a freakin flat locking tab which has no space to pry ?
The amount of thread sealant used by MB is massive.
2 New nuts coming by Tuesday or so. Lucky MB Indonesia keep ready stock.
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This seems to be also water ingress protection sealant, while also a thread locking sealant.
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My shaft has no rust....good good, I can slide in and out the shaft end with my hand. No need impact tool like below :
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This nut is a 350NM tightening torque.
To loosen it I have to use my 550Nm impact driver, otherwise its a hell job. I don't usually like using impact driver, but this one ...no choice.
Even a 550Nm impact driver took more than 30 seconds, due to the massive thread sealant.
Using a Dremel or Rotozip type of tool to cut away the deformed part of the nut is another suggestion.
Drilling, as you have done, is a reasonable method to do this job.




OK I will buy the smallest diameter cutting wheel and grinding wheel too.
Thanks









I always wear eye protection, sometimes double with the helmet with visor ( covid days gear )
My reading/PC glass, plastic protection eye-wear extra fat because I wear reading/PC glass and that helmet with visor.
I also bought 3M , NRR 30dB earmuff. The impact hammer is so loud. Too lazy to go to my friend's yacht and take one of the earmuff in engine room.



