For once I have to disagree with Loren. :)
My 94 Mazda used to eat axles, I had no better experience with OE versus
bottom of the barrel. (I understand I'm comparing Mazda OE to Mercedes OE,
but yours broke in 77k.) There was an axle shop that did boots only if
there was no noise, can't say I ever was able to try that but it was a bit
cheaper. That would let you keep OE too.
Mazda axles were in the $200-$500 range installed in 97-200x (two hours
book, the axle specialist only charged one). I'm sure there's more to do
on yours but 4500 is a little faster than inflation...
Best,
Tim
I was talking specifically about MB axles. The general experience
was that a used OE axle was better than a new axle. Again , that was
with respect to 68 - ~1990 year MB cars. I know nothing about 2000+
MB axles, nor 4WD front axles on MB. In recent years, I believe Mr.Q
had some reasonably priced thrid party MB axles that gave good
service.
The original post however was not that the axle was broken or noisy,
but that a stealership told him to replace the axles (with boots
intact) due to some grease seepage. The real point here is that I
see no reason to replace the axles. My argument is that IF you were
need to replace axles, used OE may still be preferable to new third
party. Here's what I'd do:
1. Nothing but keep an eye on the axle boots. No cracks through or
greasy wet spots: OK
Seeping/wicking is ok
2. If there is a boot failure: replace boots
3. If an axle gets noisy: replace
My guess is that these axles will last another 100k to 200k miles and
many years
I have no experience with mazzy axles, and no reference was made to them.
If I needed 4WD, I'd be buying Deetriot pickup.
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