Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Service and Repair

Remove/Install Complete Rear Axle
- with CODE (487) Active Body Control (ABC)






DANGER:
- Risk of death. Death may result if vehicle slips or topples from the lifting platform.
- Align vehicle between the columns of the lifting platform and position the four support plates at the lifting platform support points specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

CAUTION:
- While working on the rear axle care must be taken to ensure that the surface of all aluminum components do not get any scratches, cracks and notches Otherwise the service life of the parts will be affected.
- See notes on self-locking nuts and bolts

1 Remove rear wheels
2 Remove exhaust system as of flange connection
3 Detach parking brake cables (112a) on automatic cable adjuster (110b).
4 Unscrew bolts for propeller shaft intermediate bearing (106a)
- Except engine 275

5 Detach rear propeller shaft (106) from rear axle center assembly.

NOTE:
- Flexible coupling remains on propeller shaft.
- Installation: Connect rear propeller shaft to rear axle center assembly

6 Slacken flexible coupling fitted sleeves on flange.

NOTE: Put propeller shaft to one side and tie up

7 Unplug right rear brake pad contact sensor connector (S10/4x1)
8 Unplug left (L6/3x1) and right (L6/4x1) rpm sensors.
9 Remove spring link covering (6g).

NOTE: To do this, pull pin out of body-bound rivet, remove body-bound rivet from spring link and remove spring link covering (6g).

10 Remove suspension strut (6j) from spring link.
11 Remove level sensor control rod (122a) from both spring links.

DANGER:
- Risk of poisoning from swallowing brake fluid. Risk of injury from brake fluid coming into contact with skin and eyes.
- Pour brake fluid only into suitable and appropriately marked containers. Wear protective clothing and eye protection when handling brake fluid.

12 Disconnect brake line from hose (111e) and plug openings.

NOTE: When slackening or tightening the brake line at brake hose (111e), ensure that the fitting is not turned. Counterhold at two flats of brake hose (111e) using open wrench if necessary.

CAUTION:
- Seal off line connections immediately with plugs. The brake fluid reservoir must not be allowed to empty completely.
- See brake fluid notes
- Installation: The brake hose (111e) must not be twisted after tightening.
- See notes on installing brake hoses

13 Install guard plate
14 Use assembly attachment, pit hoist or floor jack beneath rear axle center assembly to support rear axle (1).
- Except engine 275

15 Remove front and rear axle mount bolts (1c, 1d).

CAUTION: Installation: recut thread on frame floor with tap.

NOTE: Installation: Tighten bolts according to tightening angle

16 Carefully lower the rear axle (1).

CAUTION: Make sure that when doing so no brake control cables (112a) or lines are trapped.

17 Check rear axle (1) for damage and if necessary replace parts
18 Install in the reverse order
19 Check rear axle center assembly oil level, adjust to correct level if necessary.
20 Bleed brake system.
21 Check vehicle level at rear axle, correct if necessary
22 Check headlamp adjustment and correct if necessary