Help! I need to replace the CV boots on my 2004 E320 4matic sedan. The issue is the removal of the passenger side axle. First off, reading the MB manual sounds outrageous as they have you removing the front subframe along with draining steering fluid and removing the brakes and suspension!

So far I popped the tie rod out, removed the rear section of the lower ball joint, removed the sway bar end, removed the axle nut, swung the steering knuckle away from the axle / pulled the outside of the axle out of the hub.

Now - how to get the inner portion of the CV housing away from the front diff?????? There is very little room to get a pry bar in there. However there must be a way to get this out. From underneath you do not have a straight shot at this due to the sub frame. I'm thinking a slide hammer with clips on the end that can grasp underneath the inside part of the housing.

Any suggestions on how to pry / get this out of the trans / diff?

Thanks!

 

put a pry bar or long screw driver up to the side thats in the diff and bang it and it will come out. it does require pretty hard banging a few times for it to pop out. or sometimes just pulling from the hub side it comes out. but going back in is the tough part sometimes.

 

Which way do you turn the axle bolt to remove? Do you turn the bolt counter clockwise?