Removing and Installing Front Axle Shafts

Removing and installing front axle shafts






Special tools






Caution: The vehicle must not be moved with the front axle shafts removed. Renew dodecagonal collar nut and self-locking bolts!






59a Joint pot

When removing front axle shafts it should be ensured that the inner sliding cardan joint (tripod joint) is not pulled too far apart and angled, in order to prevent the tripod joint rollers (59e) falling off the spindles on the tripod crosshead (59d) (32 needles per joint roller).

Note The right front axle shaft (green color marking) is longer than the left front axle shaft (red color marking).

Removal, installation






1. Remove wheel cover or hub cap.

Note: Remove light alloy disc wheel in order to remove hubcap.

2. Remove dodecagonal collar nut for fixing the front axle shaft.

Installation note
Tightening torque 280 - 320 Nm.
Secure dodecagonal collar nut (arrow).

Note:
Modified axle nut torque
As of Feb 1989 production, the rear axle shafts and the front axle shafts on the 4-Matic versions has changed. The new torque is 200 - 240 Nm using a white anodized twelve-point collar nut.
When tightening the previous version nut (yellow anodized) apply oil to the threads and contact surfaces between the nut and shaft flange and torque to 200 - 240 Nm
New version twleve-point collar nut 201 357 02 72








Secure dodecagonal collar nut (arrow)






3. Remove lower engine compartment cover or noise encapsulation.
4. Unbolt front axle shaft at connecting flange with flexible head spanner.

Installation note
Renew hexagon socket screws (61). Tightening torque 70 Nm.






5. Fix inner joint (59) with binding wire when joint is in its inserted position.
6. Apply steering lock to the right up to the stop.
7. Slacken front axle shaft from the front axle shaft flange with plastic hammer. In the event of a firm seat press in with removal device 201 589 O0 61 00.






8. Guide front axle shaft (60) upwards behind the connecting flange. Pull the shaft out of the front axle flange and remove, by pushing the vehicle down at the same time.

Caution: Ensure that front axle shaft is not excessively compressed in the axial direction, in order to prevent cover plate loosening at inner joint.

9. Check joints, rubber protective covers, cover plate and rotor teeth for leakage or damage.
10. Install in reverse sequence.