So Fix it

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.

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.

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.

Determine if you have a single piece or multi-piece drive shaft and which type of connection you have. You can determine this by looking at the mounting. It will be either a universal joint (U joint) and yoke, a flange mount, or a one-piece drive shaft that connects to the rear differential with a cap mount.

To measure a U joint drive shaft, measure from the center of one U joint to the center of the other. You should also measure the U joint cap diameter that fits into the pinion yoke.

To measure a drive shaft connected by flanges, place one end of your measuring tape at the inside face of the flange and measure across to the inside face of the opposite flange. In addition to the overall length, you should also measure how far the shaft sticks out of the flange.

To measure a one-piece drive shaft, place one end of your tape at the end of the transmission shaft and measure to top of the cap at the opposite end.

To measure a drive shaft with a center support bearing, measure the overall length from the end of the transmission case to the center of the center support. Then measure from the center of the center support to the flat surface on the pinion yoke. You will also need to measure the width of the pinion yoke, the the U joint cap diameter, how far the shaft sticks out past the end of the case, and note if the hole in the end is threaded or not.

To measure a drive shaft that has two different types of connections; for example a U joint on one side, and a flange on the other, simply combine the instruction for each type of mount. In the example, you would measure from the center of the U joint to the inside face of the flange on the opposite side.

Some companies will also require you to measure the space between the locating tabs, or two flat surfaces on the yoke. This should be done with a small six-inch ruler or caliper. Depending on the type of drive shaft, you may also be asked for the number of splines in the yoke, the diameter of the splined hole, and the height of the yoke.