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Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service
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Posted 2/6/2011 7:19 PM
G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host




Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
1000
Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Another Unfortunate example of MB Dropping the Ball on a Needed Maintenance item... Servicing the CV Joints within the HomoKinetic Shaft on the W463 Trucks. "Sealed for Life"??? PLEASE!!

After reading the "Horror" stories of these things going bad, and seeing the Awful, HARD grease, even at under 100K miles... I opted to save myself a $1,000 part, and be proactive with a Service..

I think Professor Harold is suggesting a 7 years/80,000 mile Clean/Re-grease schedule. Since my truck was at that exact interval I was surprised to see the grease in a "still soft", but in an overly "Paste-Y" state for my liking... so "I" am going to go with a 4 year/50,000 mile interval.

The Temple Monkey was a bit nervous, especially after seeing all of the Nightmare frozen bolts.... So I started the procedure with a "Respectful Bow East Towards Graz" to appease the bolt-gods. I was very pleasantly surprised to encounter ZERO problems.... all the nuts/bolts had a satisfying "Crack" as the Microencapsulation gave way.

Yes, yes, I know the Nuts are 16mm, but for REMOVAL, all I wanted to do is hold the nut long enough to get the bolt started.... Since you Must renew the Nuts, I didn't care if I slightly rounded one of the corners. As you can see, the Diesel Valve Adjusting Wrench had the PERFECT shape to access the Front Joint Nuts. For the REAR, the Multi-Purpose M110 engine Valve Adjust Spanner was a nice Length to reach the aft nuts.

A few tips from some "mistakes" I made.
1- DON'T use a regular Parts Bath with the CV Joints. That MolyKote grease is Very Thick, and is VERY HydroPhobic. Instead, I found using lint-free towels to MANUALLY remove as much grease as possible, Prior to using Brake Cleaner (no, Not for "Green" reasons. Although I'm Kaliphornian, I'm NOT a Tree-Hugger)

2- After FLOGGING on the Shaft Re-Install, I opted to try the "Blonde Brains" over Brawn.... If you use a big Drift to approximate the FRONT Joint FIRST, then use the Drift to Torque the Joint around so as to Align the holes enough to get a few of the Bolts in place. Once the front is situated, the REAR is a breeze to get in.



VERY IMPORTANT NOTE!!!-- Since the Shaft is Pre-Balanced, it is ***IMPERATIVE*** the Boot/Covers/CV Joint/Trany-Transfercase Flanges MUST be Marked in their "IN-SITU" positions, so they go back EXACTLY as they came out, otherwise imbalance, which may lead to Transmission or Transfer Case DAMAGE!!





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#184538
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Posted 2/6/2011 8:39 PM
4x4abc



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: La Paz, Baja California, Mexico
Vehicle(s): 02 G500
5000
Re: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

excellent job!!!
#184541 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 2/23/2011 4:26 AM
nadd
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: UAE, Dubai
Vehicle(s): G500 2016 LHD, numerous Chevys
Posts: 1285
1000
Re: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Great write-up and photos. Helps de-mystify this job. Thanks!
#185218 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 4/26/2011 9:23 AM
Inkblotz
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Georgia
Vehicle(s): 90 300GD "Thundering Turtle II", w/ 603A turbo
Posts: 3184
2000
RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

As always great write-up and photo step by step.

I discovered that on the early 463's like mine they used a beefy short shaft with grease nipples like the 460's not the CV Joint type. Easier to maintain.
Below is a photo of what I have.

I wonder if one could use this on the later 463s and possibly the 460s as well. It looks substantially beefier than the one on the 460s.
M



(Driveshaft.png)



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#188784 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 6/30/2012 10:54 AM
Otiswesty
Administrator




Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3002
2000
Re: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Mark
Is your truck manual or 5 speed auto
It would be interesting to compare the length of the U-joint drive shaft with that of the CV-joint version.
If they are the same and it is available...
Very cool
#205189 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 7/7/2012 10:47 PM
H1LM002G55
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Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
Re: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Amazing write up.

This is new to me regarding the beefed up short shaft with grease nipples. I will have to look under my 500 GE as I do not remember if there were grease fittings on the HomoKinetic shaft.

Interesting.

G-AMG, thanks again for a beautifully written and photographed write-up.

#205517 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 7/19/2012 6:56 PM
Razon



Date registered: Jul 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Vehicle(s): 1986 280ge Cabrio, 617A, 5sp manual
500
RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Inkblotz - 4/26/2011 6:23 AM
It looks substantially beefier than the one on the 460s.


I think they're same... they come in different lenghts though. Unless there is another version I'm not aware of.
Here's the one in my SWB 460. I wonder if the homokinetic one could be used in a 460. What lenght are they? Is there a difference between SWB and LWB homokinetic shafts?





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#205878 - in reply to #188784
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Posted 7/30/2012 9:48 PM
Inkblotz
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Georgia
Vehicle(s): 90 300GD "Thundering Turtle II", w/ 603A turbo
Posts: 3184
2000
Re: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Mine is the 603 diesel motor with the auto 4-speed. I am sure it would be different than the 460 300GD as mine is a 6 cyl and the 460 is a 5 cyl.

Edited by Inkblotz 7/30/2012 9:52 PM
#206162 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 8/14/2012 12:31 AM
Braingears
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Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Vehicle(s): G320 & ML320
Posts: 1450
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RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

That is a great write up. I've done this job 3 times since owning my G-Wagon.

The only thing i did not see was the sealant (which is included in the rebuild kit) to keep the grease from drying out.

 

#206453 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 11/16/2013 10:28 PM
sjtymko
G-Class Photo Host


Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Canada, AB, Sherwood Park (Edmonton)
Vehicle(s): 2002 G500, 2009 B200
Posts: 511
500
RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Thanks for the great write up. Just finished this job. No fun. Your write-up was very useful, however.

The grease in my joints was completely dried up and barely there. In the rear one, which had a tear in the boot, the grease was like used coffee grounds on the boot side likely from interacting with water and other contaminants. The other joint and the cap end of the rear joint, the grease was like dried, caked mud - slippery mud, but mud nonetheless. I can't imagine there was much lubricating properties in there. The balls showed significant signs of heat discoloration and the grooves appeared worn. Accounts well for the vibrations I've been experiencing. BTW, my G has 165000KMs and is a 2002. I highly doubt this was ever serviced by previous owners. I will be opening it up again in 4-5 years max.

Steve

 

#218327 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 1/11/2014 9:28 PM
T.Schuhe
Elite Veteran




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Olympia, Washington State, USA
Vehicle(s): 460 1985 LWB 300GD five speed
Posts: 711
500
RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Mark's question is interesting. This 463 short shaft actually is "serviceable," unlike the later than 1981 or 1982, 460 shafts which uses a staked-in U-joint.  If these 463 shafts could be interchangeable with 460 shafts, this might create yet another solution to a problematic short shaft.

The down side, however, is that they are likely even more expensive than the 1,200$US for a non-MB, aftermarket shaft that uses C-clipped-in (and serviceable)  U-Joints. Worth knowing, however, if one is traveling very remotely and the center shaft fails on a 460, and all that is available for parts is a MB dealership (in the US and Canada anyway).

 

 

#219400 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 1/21/2014 7:36 AM
thairish



Date registered: Jun 2006
Location: hk/th
Vehicle(s): 461: 230ge/swb & g300cdi/lwb
300
Re: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

here is a pic of another one for reference



(CIMG6639.JPG)



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#219626 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 11/16/2015 9:41 AM
colsG55
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Date registered: Aug 2013
Location: Dubai
Vehicle(s): G55 Classic 2000, TD5 110, 200 Series Land Cruiser
Posts: 209
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Re: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

I serviced my CV joints today & replaced the boots, I found putting some electrical insulation tape around the splines & over the lip at the base of the splines, I then put a small dab of grease on the tape & it made instilation of the new boots very easy without damaging the small end of the boot as it catches on the lip at the base of the splines.

I also found removing the 6 x lower transfer box mounting bolts & sliding the transfer box back about 1/2 inch made refitting the shaft much easier as I was having no luck refitting the shaft, I tried the method as described above but still no luck but by moving the transfer box back it was an easy job.

Edited by colsG55 11/16/2015 10:04 AM
#230351 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 11/27/2015 7:55 AM
jmr89



Date registered: Nov 2012
Location: France
Vehicle(s): Class G W463 320Cab V6 >>Ancien 230 GE Cab 1990
100
RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service


Congratulations thank you for sharing

 ____________________________

 



Edited by jmr89 11/27/2015 7:57 AM




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#230452 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 2/5/2018 5:16 PM
ychung
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Date registered: Aug 2015
Location: SO CAL
Vehicle(s): 2004 G500, 2014 ML350, 2008 S550
Posts: 196
100
RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Although I don't have any known issue, I'd like to to tackle this service as a preventative maintenance since my truck approaching 190,000 miles.
I have a few question prior to start ordering parts,
1. Should I order CV Joint Boot Kit? or just buy greases if boots are look fine.
2. Do I must have puller and grease packer?
3. I'm not clear on the size of counter stay tool, 16 mm or 17 mm?
4. Out of curiosity, what happens when you install a new shaft which you won't have any marks to align for?
Thank you



#238395 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 2/6/2018 1:00 AM
H1LM002G55
Expert




Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
Re: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

I will post part numbers and info in a few hours for you as I am re-doing this service as part of my preventative maintenance schedule, too.
#238406 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 2/6/2018 1:02 AM
H1LM002G55
Expert




Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
Re: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

I will post part numbers and info in a few hours for you as I am re-doing this service as part of my preventative maintenance schedule, too.
#238407 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 2/7/2018 8:10 AM
mb300ge
Member


Date registered: Aug 2006
Location: The netherlands, Amsterdam
Vehicle(s): 300 GE
Posts: 14

RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Absolutely a great post. Since a week I'm experiencing vibrations when driving away. After reaching a speed of approx 40-50 kph the vibrations are over. Yet, returning when slowing down. I've had this problem 4-5 years ago and by replacing the homokinetic shaft, the vibrations were gone. Until a week ago. They came back.

When I replaced the shaft I replaced it with a used one. Now I have to replace it again and are now looking for a new repair set, and I guess I need 2 homokinetic shafts. Did I presume right? Thanks for any insights.

 

harry

regards,

 

#238429 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 2/7/2018 8:12 AM
mb300ge
Member


Date registered: Aug 2006
Location: The netherlands, Amsterdam
Vehicle(s): 300 GE
Posts: 14

RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Absolutely a great post. Since a week I'm experiencing vibrations when driving away. After reaching a speed of approx 40-50 kph the vibrations are over. Yet, returning when slowing down. I've had this problem 4-5 years ago and by replacing the homokinetic shaft, the vibrations were gone. Until a week ago. They came back.

When I replaced the shaft I replaced it with a used one. Now I have to replace it again and are now looking for a new repair set, and I guess I need 2 homokinetic shafts. Did I presume right? Thanks for any insights.

 

harry

regards,

 

#238430 - in reply to #184538
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Posted 2/7/2018 8:13 AM
mb300ge
Member


Date registered: Aug 2006
Location: The netherlands, Amsterdam
Vehicle(s): 300 GE
Posts: 14

RE: Photo DIY- HomoKinetic Shaft ("Center" Propshaft) Service

Absolutely a great post. Since a week I'm experiencing vibrations when driving away. After reaching a speed of approx 40-50 kph the vibrations are over. Yet, returning when slowing down. I've had this problem 4-5 years ago and by replacing the homokinetic shaft, the vibrations were gone. Until a week ago. They came back.

When I replaced the shaft I replaced it with a used one. Now I have to replace it again and are now looking for a new repair set, and I guess I need 2 homokinetic shafts. Did I presume right? Thanks for any insights.

 

harry

regards,

 

#238431 - in reply to #184538
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