560SEL Driveshaft conversion for 6.9

[WGB]

The intermittent clanging noise in my 6.9 right rear turned into the percussion section of the orchestra at the recent WA lunch and I have not been game to take the car out since. Diagnosis would appear to be a constant velocity joint breaking  up and as I have already had mine re-booted and  not wishing to try to find a potentialy dodgy second hand 6.9 shaft I bit the bullet and decided to re-build the rear with a pair of new 560SEL axle shafts.

This necessitates fitting the later model 126 flanges to the diff.

So today I ordered and paid for a pair of new flanges and all the bolts and washers from Tom Hanson at the Classic Centre, two new 126 560SEL axle shafts, set of diff seals and two sets of rear hub bearings from autohausaz.com.

I already have a new flexplate set and a set of diagonal arm bushes.

I propose to fabricate a light weight version of the mounting plate for putting on top of the transmission jack as found in the workshop manual  and drop the whole rear end out of the car.

As my diff is good and the slippery diff seems to work well I am hoping for a silent and permanent reward.

Bill

[s class]

Sounds like a nice project, I hope to see pictures of this adventure.

[Big_Richard]

I'll be doing exactly the same thing soon.

the star shop reboots only last a short time it seems as mine are leaking again and have been for some time.at

I hate hate hate this job! dropping the rear sub-frame on a mb is my least favorite thing in the world to do.

[nathan]

Crikey bill, that's a project!
Major Tom, you're least favorite job? Don't give me that, we both know that it's either dash removal or. Airbox removal!

[WGB]

Any way if you are interested the Bill so far is:

Classic Centre
2  x  Flanges – A126 350 18 45 @$117.00 each                   $234
4  x  locking washers – 126 357 09 75 @$0.90 each            $    3.60
12  x  Bolts – 001 990 69 12 @$3.50 each                            $ 44

Less 15% for M-100 membership + Freight at $40 = Total of US$279.36

Autohausaz.com

1263506410  Axle Shaft Assembly; Rear Left/Right; Late Style without Spline Shaft at Differential End; New  $261.24 x 2  $522.48 

0209972547  Differential Oil Seal; Rear Inner Left/Right; 45x65x11mm  $8.72 x 2                                                                 $17.44 

0229979947  Pinion Oil Seal; At Rear Differential Input; 40x70x11/15mm  $6.29 x 1                                                              $6.29 

1233500068  Wheel Bearing Kit; Rear Left/Right  $57.79 x 2                                                                                                   $115.58 


Parts Total: $661.79
Refundable Core Total: $0.00
Shipping & Handling:  $243.31
   
Total Before Tax: $905.10 
Sales Tax: $0.00

Order Total: $905.10 

The favourable exchange rate helps but freight is the killer. I asked for a price for the flanges at the local agent and came up with AU$215 including GST each.

Bill

[TJ 450]

That is actually quite reasonable pricing, considering you're dealing with all new parts there.

I actually didn't mind the removal/installation of rear subframe job, even considering it was done in the driveway. However, it is alleged that MT did his with no additional assistance. That would have been a mission.

One day, I'll be going through this again when it comes to rebuilding the diff. Hopefully it will be a few years away though.

Tim

[WGB]

I was looking at the shape of the special subframe removal jig in the workshop manual and it is not that complicated - especially if you make up a 116 specific one without the adjustable bits so I will be making one after I replace the blown seal in my hoist and will be expecting to bolt it to the top of my transmission jack.

Bill

[Big_Richard]

I actually didn't mind the removal/installation of rear subframe job, even considering it was done in the driveway. However, it is alleged that MT did his with no additional assistance. That would have been a mission.

Awesome, that sounds like an offer to do mine 

Offer accepted, champ.

[TJ 450]

Haha, I'll gladly assist, but I won't be doing it by myself though.

Tim

[SELfor50]

Any way if you are interested the Bill so far is:

Classic Centre
2  x  Flanges – A126 350 18 45 @$117.00 each                   $234
4  x  locking washers – 126 357 09 75 @$0.90 each            $    3.60
12  x  Bolts – 001 990 69 12 @$3.50 each                            $ 44

Less 15% for M-100 membership + Freight at $40 = Total of US$279.36

Autohausaz.com

1263506410  Axle Shaft Assembly; Rear Left/Right; Late Style without Spline Shaft at Differential End; New  $261.24 x 2  $522.48 

0209972547  Differential Oil Seal; Rear Inner Left/Right; 45x65x11mm  $8.72 x 2                                                                 $17.44 

0229979947  Pinion Oil Seal; At Rear Differential Input; 40x70x11/15mm  $6.29 x 1                                                              $6.29 

1233500068  Wheel Bearing Kit; Rear Left/Right  $57.79 x 2                                                                                                   $115.58 


Parts Total: $661.79
Refundable Core Total: $0.00
Shipping & Handling:  $243.31
   
Total Before Tax: $905.10 
Sales Tax: $0.00

Order Total: $905.10 

The favourable exchange rate helps but freight is the killer. I asked for a price for the flanges at the local agent and came up with AU$215 including GST each.

Bill

Hey Bill,

I've had this conversion on the cards for a little while now.  With pending modifications to my engine, it will provide more confidence with strength of the half shafts.. the flange setup just seems that bit more sturdy.

As for parts prices, did you speak with MB Spares?    I know John has some second handy's around and could probably source them new for much cheaper than most.

Great choice on the conversion though, looking forward to pics and results.

Cam.

[scraf]

Ok, this is the road I probably want to take. ( drive shaft number three on the way out )

Um, although, having a W116 450 SEL with the sub frame from a 350 ( drive shafts not compatible ) how on earth do I know which parts to order ?

The Mercedes garage here can't find anything without a chassis number, which in my case won't help.

[WGB]

I did not know there was any difference in the subframes - only the rear hubs which attach to the trailing arms.

The 450 and the 6.9 have the anti-squat rear end.

I know the 280 doesn't but not sure about the 350.

AFAIK the 560 drive shaft fits all models so long as you fit your diff with the later model flanges.

I haven't had a moments bother since I bit the bullet and re-did the entire rear end.

Bill

[scraf]

AFAIK the 560 drive shaft fits all models so long as you fit your diff with the later model flanges.

Um, I'm got no idea why the 450 shaft doesn't fit a 350 sub frame, I'm guessing the length is different ?

( this was the issue when I got a random W116 shaft to replace the first one that went sideways )

Looks like the best plan is to take one that does fit when purchasing new flanges / shafts.

[Type17]

For the record, the 350 doesn't have anti-squat rear suspension.

[mirafioriman]

I didn't think the non 6.9 450 had the anti squat suspension either but I may be wrong. My W126 500 SEL did but my W126 420 SEL doesn't. Both have LSD diffs though.