Replacement

Fig. 1 Disassembled View Of Rear Axle & Suspension Components:

REMOVAL

1. Drain fluid from axle assembly.
2. On vehicles without starting torque compensation, remove brake caliper(s) attaching pin bolts. Using a suitable piece of wire, suspend brake caliper assembly. Do not allow caliper to hang by its brake lines.
3. On vehicles equipped with starting torque compensation, disconnect and cap brake lines from caliper line holder, if necessary.
4. On all models, loosen the M12 or M8 rear axle shaft to rear axle shaft flange attaching bolts.
5. Using a suitable puller, force rear axle shaft out of axle shaft flange. When removing the puller, hold rear axle shaft in place. Do not allow rear axle shaft to drop, since this will damage the synchromesh joint and result in leaks. On vehicles with starting torque compensation, loosen rear axle center piece (differential) and lower unit until studs are out of the rear axle carrier assembly. Gently swivel rear axle center piece (differential) to its side until rear axle shaft(s) can be removed.
6. Support rear axle housing with a suitable jack.
7. Loosen attaching bolts from rubber bearing.
8. Wipe clean axle housing, then remove rear axle housing cover, Fig. 1.
9. Using suitable pliers, remove snap ring located between inner synchromesh joint and side gear assembly.
10. Pull rear axle shaft and spacer out of side gear.

Fig. 2 Rear Axle Shafts:

Fig. 3 Operating Range Of Wheel Carrier Protective Sleeve:

INSTALLATION

The rear axle shafts are provided with oil return threads (twists) on the contact surface of the radial sealing ring, which are different for the left and right sides. For identification, the axle shaft faces are marked with either an R or L marking. The R marking represents right side and the L marking represents left side. Do not attempt to interchange the axle shafts from side to side or serious damage will result.
1. Using 180 grit emery cloth, refinish oil return feed thread, if necessary at an angle of 20° for a length of .787-1.18 inch (20-30mm) Fig. 2. When installing a radial sealing ring with an alternating feed thread, refinishing of the oil feed thread is not necessary.
2. If a new rear axle shaft is installed, place previously removed spacer ring on to inner synchromesh joint, Fig. 1.
3. Place complete rear axle shaft into side gear, and insert a new snap ring onto synchromesh joint groove. If the axle shaft assembly cannot be inserted into the differential housing up to the contact surface, contract both joints first. Then, using a plastic head hammer, gently tap outer spider gear to knock rear axle shaft against differential housing contact surface. Do not strike stop sleeve assembly. Do not allow rear axle shaft to drop or bend sharply, since this will damage the synchromesh housing assembly.
4. Check endplay between inner spider gear and differential housing assembly. There should be no noticeable endplay. The snap ring should just barely be able to turn in its groove. If necessary, install a thicker or thinner spacer ring.
5. Telescope rear axle shaft completely, then using puller tool No. 05a-05c or equivalent, insert assembly into rear axle shaft flange.
6. When installing a new or reconditioned rear axle shaft with one piece protective sleeve on outer joint, check semi-trailing arm in its operating range of protective sleeve for weld residue. Remove weld beads. Check installed rear axle shaft for wiping noises. If wiping noise are heard when rotating rear axle shaft, refinish wheel carrier in operating range of protective sleeve, Fig. 3.
7. Place suitable sealer on end cover, and install end cover assembly.
8. On 560SL, proceed as follows:
a. Lift rear axle housing and install rubber bearing to frame floor.
b. Tighten hex head attaching bolts or self-locking bolts.
9. On 560SEC and SEL, lift rear axle center piece (differential) up to frame floor and attach rubber bearing to frame floor.
10. On vehicles equipped with starting torque compensation, connect brake line(s) and bleed brake system.
11. On all models, lower and remove jack supporting rear axle housing.
12. On vehicles without starting torque compensation, install caliper over brake disc. Install new locking plate or self-locking bolts.
13. On all models, fill rear axle housing with suitable lubricant and up to specifications.