1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Rear Axle Installation

After finding a shop specializing in Mercedes', I was able to get them to remove and install a new set of axle bearings and outer axle seals. This video goes over the process of packing the bearings and installing the axle back into the housing.
The video covers the driver's side, but the passenger's side is handled in the same manner. The next video on this job will detail installation of the new parking brake shoes. After that, I can finally get back to rebuilding the brake calipers and get this car back on the road. (3/16/2013)

[@benzlover55]

You've done well for yourself given how many sweet rides you've got.

[@markwilson8475]

Great video thanks. Have you done any more work on the car?

[@dankennedy8757]

You do have to pack those bearings

[@ibast1]

Did that circlip on the right side cause any problems when putting it back together?

[@maximiliantremmel989]

It's been eight years, yet I would be interested in this as well. The Werkstatthandbuch (repair manual) calls for uninstalling the springs (all three) and lifting the (right and left) axle tube up with a jack. I will have to do this job as well and am not sure how complicated it is. Any help is appreciated.

[@mammoth7209]

Thanks for the video. Good explanations. We need more w108 owners to upload DIY videos. Is it OK to use Amsoil Severe Gear (ASG) on a w108 non LSD differential. I own a w108 1970 280 SEL MFI

[@shadowrider460]

Absolutely. Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90 will work just fine in both open and LSD differentials. It already contains an additive for LSD differentials that won’t hurt open differentials. So the one product will work fine in both, usually with no additional friction modifier needed.

[@mammoth7209]

I have a NON LSD differential and thought that there were only specific gear oils that could be used.

[@mammoth7209]

I will get a few bottles and give it a shot. I do hear some weird noises coming from the rear of the car. The sound was more pronounced when turning left but now I hear the noise when driving straight although not as pronounced as when I turn left. I think its the right side wheel bearing that is bad but not certain because I have heard from others that the differentials do eventually mimic sounds of a bad wheel bearing. I'm leaning more towards believing that its a bad wheel bearing. Any thoughts or advice?

[@shadowrider460]

Mammoth
A wheel bearing noise will tend to be a growling noise that increases in loudness with increasing vehicle speed, and will tend to come from only one side. The noise is present both as you go down the road and when you let off the gas.
A differential noise sounds like a high pitched whine that will usually either go away or diminish when you take your foot off the gas. Your car has large fill and drain plugs so you’ll be able to partially inspect the ring and spider gears when you change the lube.
Differentials are very tough so unless it was driven through deep water or the lube leaked out, the unit is probably okay. Wheel bearing failure is the more likely culprit.

[@mammoth7209]

Got it, now I just have to figure out which side is the bad one.