Mercedes Rear Axle CV Boot Replacement: W126, W124, W123, W201, R107

Replacing the rubber boot is not too bad and totally worth it. This set had 241k miles on them and they looked brand new once the old grease was cleaned out. Whatever you do, do not buy cheap after market axles. Video Chapters [00:01] Introduction: Goals for the rear half-shaft refurbishment. [00:49] Removal: Loosening the center hub bolt (13mm). [01:25] Hardware: Using the 16-point spline wrench for differential bolts. [03:39] The Extraction Challenge: Navigating the exhaust and hub. [05:27] Technical Tip: Tapping out the shaft using the center bolt. [07:02] Boot Kit Overview: Grease, clamps, and new hardware. [08:51] Disassembly: Removing sheet metal covers and snap rings. [11:09] Deep Cleaning: Flushing out 240,000 miles of old gunk and grease. [14:40] Re-greasing: Packing the rolling elements with fresh CV grease. [17:38] Boot Installation: Maneuvering new rubber over splines. [21:12] Securing the Joint: Installing new snap rings and clamps. [24:02] Pro Tip: Avoiding sealant on the flange for future serviceability. [27:42] Reinstallation: Mounting the refurbished shaft back into the hub and differential. [32:25] Final Checks: Torque settings and wheel mounting. Video Summary Ralf demonstrates how to breathe new life into rear half-shafts that have seen over 240,000 miles of service [12:03]. Replacing the boots before the internal joints fail is a cost-effective way to preserve original Mercedes hardware. Key Technical Highlights: Specialized Tools: Removing the axle bolts requires a specific 16-point spline wrench [01:42]. Ralf also notes that the center hub bolt is a 13mm size [00:49]. Extraction Strategy: To get the half-shaft out on some models (like the 420), Ralf found that tapping the center bolt back into the hub while the shaft is disconnected from the differential helps "coax" it out of the tight space behind the exhaust [05:32]. Cleanliness is Critical: After cutting off the old, "crusty" boots [11:53], Ralf uses contact cleaner and brake cleaner to flush the joints until only the bare rolling elements remain [14:40]. He confirms the internals are in perfect shape once the gunk is removed [13:17]. The "Messy" Part: Ralf emphasizes packing the new grease (which is more oil-based for Mercedes) deep into the rolling elements rather than just filling the boot [15:51]. This ensures maximum lubrication once the centrifugal force of driving takes over. Serviceability Tip: Ralf strongly advises against using sealant on the metal flange surfaces when reassembling [24:11]. This keeps the job clean for future mechanics and ensures a proper metal-to-metal fit. Final Result: Once the shafts are repainted and reinstalled [27:34], the car is ready for another 100,000+ miles of smooth operation. Video URL:    • Mercedes Rear Axle CV Boot Replacement: W1...