Rear Axle Shafts: Disassembly

Outer CV joint is not serviceable. Inner CV joint can be disassembled and inspected for wear. Rubber boot is serviceable for both inner and outer CV joints. For disassembly:

1. Remove large clamp on inner CV joint. See Fig 1 .
2. Remove inner CV joint end cap and cup seal.
3. Remove inner CV joint circlip.
4. Push inner CV joint off axle shaft.
5. Remove small clamp on inner CV boot.
6. Remove inner CV boot.
7. Remove outer CV joint clamps.
8. Remove outer CV boot.

Fig 1: Rear Axle Shaft Component Identification

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.