111 chassis axle seal

[luders79]

Hello,

I've currently got a 1969/70 111 chassis 280se convertible to work on. What I've been ask to look at is the o/s/r axle seal is leaking on to the brake back plate and contaminating the pads, there is also play in the wheel bearing! Is there any tricks to doing this job or get the driveshaft out? I don't want to go just pulling it apart and damage something as I bet getting hold of some of the bits might be a pain!

I would be gratefully for any info, this may be one for the senior members! This car had been driving around for 15 yrs before I was born so little bit old for me!! Although what a great car as its mint condition ! They dont make them like that anymore!!

Thanks

Lee

 

[David Nock]

Hi there; I'm not familiar with your car but I have just replaced the diff on our RX7 - rear wheel drive, banjo axle with half shafts, which I think will be same sort of thing?
I had play on a side bearing inside the diff, which funnily enough seemed like play in a wheel bearing on one side. I also had no oil leakage but it still meant stripping the brakes off on each side, pulling the half shafts and then getting the diff out.
The half shafts come out on the Mazda without using a puller (slide hammer) - the Merc might need one but you can hire them easily. Then your half shaft will need taking to an engineering shop to get the old wheel bearing pulled off and a new one pressed on (several tons on the press).
The oil seal prises out of the axle tube and a new one fits straight in; then lubricate the seal. Be careful not to damage the new seal when refitting the half shaft. After feeling the splines engage, simply 'tap' the half shaft and bearing into final location in the axle tube with a sturdy hammer and hardwood block on the end of the shaft.
All fairly straightforward if you accept the need for work at an engineering shop and (possibly) the need for a slide hammer.
Hope this helps - Apologies if your car is 'nowt like this.

 

[Telegraph-Hill]

Hi, the problem with the axle is well known. First of all don't bother the wheel bearing. At MOT the tester lifts up the axle and try to move the wheel. This works becaue the wheel needs to be on the ground to fit the bearing in it's housing. The axles are plugged in and can be removed seperatly from every site. Where are you comming from? I'm from Exeter and have replaced the seal on my W108 a couple of years ago. BTW you're working on my dream car All the best, Oli