Author Topic: need tips no how to unbolt the drive shaft from the rear axle  (Read 1534 times)

merrill

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hello
in the process of trying to pull the rear axle

i am down to unbolting the 4 bolts from the drive shaft to the pinion input shaft, compressing the compensating spring, unbolting the hanger carrier, centering bolt and both shocks.
almost there

unfortunately i am stuck trying to unbolt the 4 bolts connecting the drive shaft to the pinion input shaft.  I have bent back the lock tabs but cannot keep the shaft from turning while un bolting the 17mm nut(s)

should i use the parking / e brake to hold the shaft in place while i try to unbolt the nuts using a box wrench?

also it seems that i can only access the nuts on the drivers side of the car between the 6pm and 10 pm position.

thanks in advance
Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

ja17

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Re: need tips no how to unbolt the drive shaft from the rear axle
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2019, 00:57:24 »
Set the emergency brake to keep the driveshaft from turning. Those skinny 17mm can be difficult. Try bumping them with an air tool first (air hammer with blunt drift).
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

merrill

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Re: need tips no how to unbolt the drive shaft from the rear axle
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2019, 12:53:44 »
Thanks Joe! 
I will try you suggestion this weekend
Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

merrill

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Re: need tips no how to unbolt the drive shaft from the rear axle
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2019, 16:54:14 »
got the bolts off!

it took more bumping from the air hammer than i thought it would take.  they were really on there


thanks Joe!
Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230