1979 300sd (w116)

I removed the the rear left hub and observed the tapered bearing being very loose. I slipped the spacing ring off and then was able to easily remove the tapered bearing with my hand.

I removed the new tapered bearing from its box and slipped the bearing onto the spindle to see how far down it would travel. It stopped approximately one inch from where it should rest.
Before I continue by pressing the bearing to its position I have a few questions.

Question #1 How do I determine that the hub spindle is good?

Question #2 Is the spindle also tapered?

Question #3 Based on my description of the old bearing slipping off easily, do bearings stretch when they go bad?


Also removed the axles and observed that the all boots are cracked. Only one of the boots is leaking oil.

I considered sending the axles out to CVJ axles to get rebuilt but wanted to rule out the possibility that they are both still good and maybe I should just attempt to clean, re-grease and re-boot.

Any advice is greatly appreciated