This weekend on my 85 300D I started working on replacement of the flex discs. I pulled the driveshaft with intention of replacing the center bearing and carrier. I experienced a few unexpected things with the driveshaft based on the DIY's i've read here and am hoping someone could help confirm that I am interpreting correctly:

1. I disconnected the flex discs first. I expected that I would have to then loosen the large sleeve nut in order to slide the front driveshaft backwards away from the transmission. However, as soon as I removed the front flex disc I was able to slide the front driveshaft backwards by hand without having touched the sleeve nut. Does this mean that a PO forgot to tighten sleeve nut?
   
   
2. With the driveshaft off and the two sections separated I expected to see a snap clip holding the dust shield over the bearing. However their was no clip, but the dust shield seems solidly mounted over the bearing i.e. I cannot remove it by hand. Is this another error by a PO, or were there driveshafts that didn't use a snap ring to hold the dust shield on?

Also, the ujoint feels 'notchy' when moving through the middle of its range of motion. Is that a big deal?

Thanks

the drive shaft will have some longitudnal motion - enough to get the flex discs out, if it were solid I dont think the shaft will be able to absorb the slight movements of the transmission or diff. The U joint stickiness is bad news, you need a D shaft shop to stake a new U joint in place and balance the shaft again.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

If that's the case then I am wondering what the sleeve nut on the front of the driveshaft is for: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123DriveShaftSupportBearing

I've thought that was to tighten up the driveshaft longitudinally, and loosen in order to compress the driveshaft for removal.

Since you live in Seattle, there is this shop in Portland that does the MB Driveline`s.

http://www.driveshafts.com/


I had the 85 300D done about 2 yrs ago, the U-Joint was definately loose. the shop is South Bay driveline in San Jose, ca. they replaced it with a Mustang U-joine that is greaseable. replaced the center support bearing also, and I think I paid $265.

The 240 is next in line for a Joint. they do wear out in time. every one I have come across in the Yards has had that notchy feel to it.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

If the Sleeve/Coupling Nut was loose inspect the Splines inside for wear.

The below threads may not suite everyone; but there is a lot of Driveshaft info there:

My U-joint Repair thread 2011
Drive Shaft U-Joint Is Staked/Crimped In Place, Now What To Do?

This forum does not allow me to post where I bought some of the parts so I posted that on Benzworld.
My Benz World post with all of the U-joint sources.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td/1581728-another-u-joint-driveshaft-thread.html#post4677977

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel