PART NUMBERS FOR REAR AXLE HALF SHAFTS?

[TerryA]

I guess I am in the market for the right rear axle shaft and am looking to find a used one. I think a new one at $1K is out of the question for now.

I have found one on line in Georgia plenty cheap enough with a year guarantee $117.00 I just want to confirm with them that it is the right one.

Thanks

 

[gsxr]

Don't buy a rebuilt shaft for $117... it won't last, you'll end up replacing it again in a couple of years. Just get a good used one, there are plenty available, and cheap too. Just make sure the donor car has ASR if it's from a 400E/E420. Probably $50-$125 for a used one...

 

[TerryA]

Dave,

This is a used shaft. Check it out. Give me an opinion. They have 2 rights and 2 lefts. I have sent them an e-mail and am waiting for a response.

http://www.automotix.net/usedautopa...es=bc80336515eaa5aabbc9725b745dddcd&seq_num=2

BTW, this is my first attempt at locating one. I'm looking for leads. Google brings up a hell of a lot of crap to sift thru.

Is Potamac Pat still around?

 

[gsxr]

Interesting... that's a strange site. You may want to check out this place, they are pretty close to you in CA and have two pairs available for $75/ea:
http://www.pearsonsautowrecking.com/

Potomac Pat is still around but I searched their store and they don't appear to have any available... you could still give him a call though!

 

[TerryA]

Dave,

Pearson looks like a better deal to me. I am trying to contact them by phone to get some more info. I will let you know how it turns out.

You da man!!

Thanks

 

[TerryA]

Dave,

I can't do deal with an anal character. This place is on my shit list. I spoke to a guy last Thursday and told him I would call early this week to order the part. Turns out he was not in.

I got the anal character instead. He wanted me to fill out a faxed form with credit info. He stated that if it was filled out wrong he would shred it. I filled it out and faxed it back. It also had a warranty box to fill out.
I added that the part was listed as Condition "A" on his website and listed the part number on the site.

Anyway to make a long story short he said HE SHREDDED IT!! He did not like my addition to his warranty. Also I did not fill in every line exactly but he had the info.
I told him that I would re-send without the added notes. He told me to buy it someplace else.

I did something I rarely do, I lost my temper and was not polite in saying good by.

Interesting... that's a strange site. You may want to check out this place, they are pretty close to you in CA and have two pairs available for $75/ea:
http://www.pearsonsautowrecking.com/

Potomac Pat is still around but I searched their store and they don't appear to have any available... you could still give him a call though!

 

[gsxr]

WOW! That's crazy. I know some places require a faxed form, which is a nuisance, but I've never heard of a guy flipping out and shredding it if he didn't like the form. I agree, I wouldn't buy from them either!!

How about LKQ Specialized in Rancho Cordova, 888-967-2787? They claim to have a couple for $60/ea, just verify they are from ASR models. I have been to this location in person several times, and purchased from them several times. They are generally pretty good to deal with.

 

[TerryA]

Dave,

Yeah what an ass.

I will check them out tomorrow. BTW that strange site gives a year warranty I plan on talking to them tomorrow also. Their price of $118. includes the shipping. That is only $18 more than the anal character's.

 

[samiam44]

Noticed that Potomac German has them for $95/each out of a 1995 model.

Heritage in Mobile, AL selling a pair for $95:

1993 Mercedes 400 E - pair of rear axle shafts $100
Heritage Used Car and Truck Parts USA-AL(Mobile)
1-251-375-2135/1-866-232-2948

 

[TerryA]

Dave / Michael,

I ordered my part thru this junker in Georgia. It is owned by LKQ the same company that owns Potomac German Auto. It must be the same axles. Price shipped is $117.00 and offers a 1 year warranty.
I will have the part in 7 days.

http://www.automotix.net/usedautopa...es=bc80336515eaa5aabbc9725b745dddcd&seq_num=2

I will let you know how it turns out.

 

[TerryA]

My new/used 1/2 shaft just arrived yesterday. Just out of the box. 7 Days and $117.00.

I can't see any visible part numbers except on the rubber boots.

The checking pattern you see on the boots is just a sealer or something (maybe undercoat) that appears to have been sprayed on the rubber but the rubber itself looks pretty good.

Other than cleaning up the surface rust and installing should I be doing anything else?

It is hard to tell if the part is good or not I know nothing. Both joints move. The outer one is a lot stiffer than mine in the car.

 

[gsxr]

Looks good! Based on the VIN on the tag, it is from an ASR .034 and should be identical to your existing shafts. Just clean 'em up and install. I am curious if your old/bad one is obviously bad when removed from the car, i.e. if it feels notchy, loose, or otherwise much different than the one you just bought.

 

[samiam44]

I'd also be interested in what failed.

I've seen wear which they will tick. Some ppl which reboot cars will swap LH and RH side axles in holes to put pressure on the other side of the race.
I've seen the cage crack.

It's messy job- but basically cut the band/boot off(gloves a must), rage/towel off as much grease as you can. Then use some cleaner(not your parts washer as it will make a mess of the fluid). Then look closely at the balls, inner, outer races, and the retainer which is metal. There are snap ring which allow the joint to come off the axle.

Now to answer your question. Absolutely. I would clean them well, A nice coat of silicone spray on the boots(ace hardware, lowes, Napa etc). But that's after it's washed.
I would then clean up the rust, lightly with a scotch brite including the paint still there- finish with primer & paint(between the joints). On the outboard, I just cleaned it up and then put a thinest spraying of paint. Clean the splines- wire brush. Look for burs and remove them with a file/stone. Light coat of grease to aid assy.

Michael