Just noticed a big leak in my rear, inner CV boot. My cracked boots were a job I've been putting off so I suppose I can't really complain but today I finally pulled everything apart and I fear the leak may have been led to some axle wear ;(.
I've got the wheel, brake caliper and rotor off, so nothing would interfere with the axle turning, but unfortunately when I spin the hub, I hear a small click in the inner cv joint. I'm assuming, the inner joint is dry as a fart since i haven't yet taken the busted boot etc off so I thought it might simply be dirty in the joint. The clicking isn't loud (it happens every rotation, but seems not to be at the same time each turn) and there isn't any noticable play in the shaft. Anyone know what the odds would be that I need new a refurb half axle? Would the clicking for sure be wear? Would a cleaning, lube and new boot cure it? Any help would be gobbled up!
Many thanks!
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Hmmm....another thing to worry about... the fluid coming out of the cv boot is quite thin. Could this be oil from the differential coming out? From what I understood, the cv should only have grease that may be "flung out" once the boot is gone ... if it's dripping does that mean a bad inner diff seal? I've got to wait until morning to get a 14mm hex bit and crack the diff. Arrrghhh, poor rear!
The axles with the cans on the ends are an absolute PITA to change the boots on. I am facing this challenge on my 300SD. In order to change the boots, you must grind off one crimped can, then take the joint apart, clean it, reassemble, which is a nightmare from what I read, crimp on a new can, grease the joint , and install the boots. Special crimping tool, which nobody has is required. Mercedessource.com sells a boot kit along with a booklet and homemade crimping tool for about $ 95 I would not even attempt this job without reading the instructions and following them. For the boot clamps, a special tool is also required, but that one can be rented at Auto Zone.
There is a chance that you have damaged the axle. But you will not be sure until you disassemble it.
Vehicle: European 1974 350SLC sold ,'78 300CD sold '80 300CD keeper , '81 240D SWMBO's Car
Location: Sunny So. Cal.
Posts: 214
The grease has just been beaten to a plulp , that's why it's running out like gear oil . not to worry but if you call around it might be cheaper to buy a rebuilt half shaft than to buy new boots , clean and re-pack the joint then wrestle the new boot on...
I hope to attack just this in my '80 300CD to-morrow after the Dr's apt.
The're making horrid ' cracking ' sounds most of the time.....
I hope the rebuilder doesn't charge me a core charge
If he does , it's off to Pick-A-Part again for me ! .
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Old German cars & motos
vintage car mechanic
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My boots had a little crack in them and I attempted a quick repair that has worked so far. I cut the strap holding the boot to the can and folded the boot on to itself, let the remaining oil drain out, sprayed brake cleaner to clean any possible dirt out(didn't seem to be any but better safe than sorry), used a innertube patch kit on the hole, repacked with grease, and buttoned it up with a stainless hose clamp. So far no clicks,or leaks I guess if I could save the original axles this is good?
Vehicle: European 1974 350SLC sold ,'78 300CD sold '80 300CD keeper , '81 240D SWMBO's Car
Location: Sunny So. Cal.
Posts: 214
If It's Quiet ,
...It's good but I'd not expect that to last long .
I got my axles off and down to the axle rebuild place , thy had one in stock so that's
on allread , I'm waiting for them to call when the other one is done . $85.00 / Ea. , I'm epecting them to charge me cores on these worn out scrappers .
I am really interested in that special boot that dieselgiant describes that installs with that air tool without axle disassembly. Does somebody offer that tool?
Vehicle: European 1974 350SLC sold ,'78 300CD sold '80 300CD keeper , '81 240D SWMBO's Car
Location: Sunny So. Cal.
Posts: 214
DIY CV Boots
I didn't go look at the link but boots that install with the axle in situ are split boots , no ? . few people ever like those things as they usualy leak out the fresh grease .
I've installed a few that needed to be _glued_ shut along the split , tricky work and you still must re-pack the joint , no real way to fully clean out all the old grease with the axle still on the car and you shouldn't simply pack new grease in on top of the old worn out & dirty grease .
I'd call around and hunt a bit as axle rebuilding places are all over and you should be able to buy rebuilt ones from the rebuilder for $100.00 or less .
The ring clamps on the boot ends can easily be crimped with a cheap pair of Bull Nosed Dykes from Harbor Freight or the pawnshop .
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I guess if I could save the original axles this is good?
If It's Quiet , 
DIY CV Boots 
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