Dismantling constant-velocity joint, inspecting for wear, assembly - AR35.30-P-0661-03P

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MODEL 166, 170, 171, 172, 203, 204, 207, 208, 209, 211, 212, 215, 216, 218, 219, 220, 221, 230, 231, 292

Dismantle constant-velocity joint

Mark installation position of the joint ring (37c), joint hub (37d) and ball retainer (37f) in relation to one another.

Fig 1: Joint Ring Mark Installation Position And Joint Hub
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA
Align rear axle shaft (37a) so that narrow bar (arrow) of joint hub (37d) points upward.

Fig 2: Aligning Rear Axle Shaft Narrow Bar Of Joint Hub
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA
Use a suitable tool to press the two top balls out of the ball retainer (37f).

Fig 3: Pressing Top Balls Out Of Ball Retainer
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA
Align rear axle shaft (37a) and turn slightly to remove from the joint ring (37c).
Hold the remaining balls in place when removing.
Remove remaining balls from joint ring (37c).
Remove ball retainer (37f) from joint hub (37d).
Clean all parts.

Fig 4: Turning Rear Axle Shaft To Remove From The Joint Ring
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Check constant velocity joint
Check ball raceways of joint ring (37c), joint hub (37d), ball retainer (37f) and balls for pitting and signs of wear (arrows).
If these parts exhibit major wear, the entire rear axle shaft (37a) must be replaced. Smooth areas and running marks caused by the balls are not a reason to replace the rear axle shaft (37a).

If the outer constant velocity joint is defective, then the rear axle shaft (37a) must be replaced.

Fig 5: Checking For Pitting And Signs Of Wear
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Assembling CV joint
Insert rear axle shaft (37a) with joint hub (37d) and ball retainer (37f) into joint ring (37c) and align so that balls can be inserted.
Before inserting the joint hub (37d), pack half the grease provided in the repair kit into the joint ring (37c).
Position ball retainer (37f) onto joint hub (37d).
Watch the alignment marks made earlier. If a marking was not made the ball retainer (37f) has to be positioned on the joint hub (37d) such that a wide bar of the joint hub (37d) is always opposite a narrow bar of the joint ring (37c).

Fig 6: Inserting Rear Axle Shaft With Joint Hub And Ball Retainer Into Joint Ring
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA
Insert balls one after the other.