changing the rear axle CV joint
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Republic of Canuckstan
81 300sd, 83 300dT, F350, 250 diesel & 16 ft car trailer
changing the rear axle CV joint
my 81 300sd the axle is making some clicking noise,
so how difficult is to change the rear cv -axle?
1 guy says is not hard, some say is real B*tch.
thanks in advance
so how difficult is to change the rear cv -axle?
1 guy says is not hard, some say is real B*tch.
thanks in advance
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Northern California
It changes all the time
It all depends on which axles your car has. The early version requires you to remove the back cover of the pumpkin and remove a clip at the end of the axle. If you have the newer version, all you need to do is remove the allen bolts from the stub axle that stays in the pumpkin. If you can get a hold of a copy of the 123 or 126 chassis factory manual, the procedure should be included. The operation is the same for either chassis.The early version takes more time, but is not that difficult. If I remember correctly, you do have to unbolt the bottom of the rear shock. It has been quite a while since I've change one of these, so memory fades. Good luck.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 2
From: Perth, Western Australia
W212 E500, W164 320CDI, W116 450SEL 6.9, W116 450 SEL.
If you have the flanges on the diff with bolt up axle shaft it is quite a simple matter although finding genuine driveshafts might be difficult.
If you have the axle shafts with a spline at both ends you may have to unbolt and lower the diff to get enough clearance to disengage both ends of the drive shaft as well as open the rear of the diff to remove the circlip.
I am not sure about the 126 300SD but the 116 300SD shared axle shafts (due to the high torque) with the 6.9 and I think the earlier 126 cars may have been the same.
Here is a picture of an original 1979 116 6.9 axle shaft and it's 126 560SEL replacement sitting alongside.
If you have the axle shafts with a spline at both ends you may have to unbolt and lower the diff to get enough clearance to disengage both ends of the drive shaft as well as open the rear of the diff to remove the circlip.
I am not sure about the 126 300SD but the 116 300SD shared axle shafts (due to the high torque) with the 6.9 and I think the earlier 126 cars may have been the same.
Here is a picture of an original 1979 116 6.9 axle shaft and it's 126 560SEL replacement sitting alongside.
