Front CV Axle - Any experience with aftermarket parts?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 2
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From: Western Canada
2013 E350 Wagon
Front CV Axle - Any experience with aftermarket parts?
My 2013 E350 Wagon's front CV axle boot is toast. As a result, I need to replace the entire axle according to my indie mechanic. Original Mercedes parts cost over $1500 CAD, so I'm looking into the option of aftermarket parts.
I'm not cheaping out too much on this, and as such, I'm only considering one brand - GKN. The part # is GKN 306379. Does anyone have any experience with this specific part on their 212? I can only find one thread mentioning that one person used a GKN axle on their W211 and experienced vibrations. I can't find any success stories online, so I'm a bit nervous about taking this route.
Furthermore, I'm wondering if I should undertake this job myself. I have access to a lift, and I have replaced brake pads and rotors on this car, but I'm not sure if replacing a CV axle (and also wishbone/ball joints) is a substantially more difficult job.
Thanks!
I'm not cheaping out too much on this, and as such, I'm only considering one brand - GKN. The part # is GKN 306379. Does anyone have any experience with this specific part on their 212? I can only find one thread mentioning that one person used a GKN axle on their W211 and experienced vibrations. I can't find any success stories online, so I'm a bit nervous about taking this route.
Furthermore, I'm wondering if I should undertake this job myself. I have access to a lift, and I have replaced brake pads and rotors on this car, but I'm not sure if replacing a CV axle (and also wishbone/ball joints) is a substantially more difficult job.
Thanks!
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 15
2009 Subaru WRX, 2011 E550
Hey there,
I did this job last November. I replaced my left front cv axle with one from NAPA auto parts. I had just replaced the left headlight to the tune of $3500 right before this so funds were kind of tight. The job was was straight forward but, not easy. The cv axle and intermediate shaft refused to separate. In fact they are still together today sitting in my garage!! I ended up replacing the intermediate shaft with one from NAPA and bearing along with the new cv axle. I do have a slight vibration above 65mph.....Also, there is slight in and out play with the cv shaft on that side. Zero play on the other side. Not sure if the play is causing the vibration or not? I have just under 240K miles on it. 20/20 hindsight, I probably should have stuck with the Mercedes parts. Or I would also strongly consider replacing just the torn boot in my case. The bearing on the half shaft was toast too. I could have replaced it for $50 with a Mercedes bearing. Hope this helps, good luck!
I did this job last November. I replaced my left front cv axle with one from NAPA auto parts. I had just replaced the left headlight to the tune of $3500 right before this so funds were kind of tight. The job was was straight forward but, not easy. The cv axle and intermediate shaft refused to separate. In fact they are still together today sitting in my garage!! I ended up replacing the intermediate shaft with one from NAPA and bearing along with the new cv axle. I do have a slight vibration above 65mph.....Also, there is slight in and out play with the cv shaft on that side. Zero play on the other side. Not sure if the play is causing the vibration or not? I have just under 240K miles on it. 20/20 hindsight, I probably should have stuck with the Mercedes parts. Or I would also strongly consider replacing just the torn boot in my case. The bearing on the half shaft was toast too. I could have replaced it for $50 with a Mercedes bearing. Hope this helps, good luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,110
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From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
I have never had great luck with any parts other than OE. For me, I would get them from FCP or (gag) a Stealership. They simply last longer - and, even if you are your own mechanic. There is a value to your time.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 618
Likes: 241
From: Chicago
19 GLA45, 86 560SL, former: 14 E550 4Matic, 09 E350 4Matic, 83 240D manual, 78 450SLC, 81 500SLC
This is my impression as well. You can buy used shafts from a wrecker if the boots have not torn yet. The axles will still be fine inside. Regrease and reboot before installing and you basically have new OEM axles. If you replace the intermediate shaft, replace the bearing as well. It's cheap.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 15
2009 Subaru WRX, 2011 E550
[UPDATE] As stated... I had a persistent vibration at 65mph with a (new) NAPA left front CV axle. I just swapped it out with a used OEM one purchased through ebay with 76K miles on it. Vibration was instantly gone! I will not make that mistake again!!
