Wednesday, November 27, 2013

How to Remove the Driveshaft on a Mercedes E320 CDI

The Mercedes E320 CDI was the first BlueTec diesel Mercedes sold in the U.S. A 3.2-liter diesel engine powered the rear-wheel drive sedan through a six-speed automatic transmission. A driveshaft transfers toque from the transmission in the front of the car to the differential in the rear. However, the driveshaft is exposed on the underbody and can be damaged by debris. A damaged driveshaft must be replaced.

Instructions

    1

    Drive or tow the Mercedes E320 CDI someplace flat and out of the way. When the driveshaft is removed, the car will be undriveable. The car can be pushed but it will be difficult because the E320 weighs close to 2 tons. Place the Mercedes into park and then turn the car off. Use a car jack to lift the front and rear corners of the E320. Then use jack stands to keep the corners elevated.

    2

    Locate the driveshaft running down the center of the undercarriage. The driveshaft is connected by flex joints at the front and rear of the shaft. The flex joints in turn are connected to the transmission and rear differential with six bolt flanges. Use the car jack to support the transmission end of the shaft first. Then unbolt the six bolts securing the transmission end flex joint. Once the bolt flange is free, lower it to the ground with the car jack.

    3

    Raise the car jack up to support the differential end of the driveshaft. Then unbolt the six bolts securing the flex joint to the differential. Lower the driveshaft down with the car jack. Roll the driveshaft out from under the sedan and place it to the side. If you install a new driveshaft, just repeat the removal process in reverse.

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