Hello,

I have a vibration, and after reading the threads here on vibration, and having my front end suspension rebuilt ($$$$) and tires balanced, I believe it is the drive shaft. Although after reading the threads that search turned up here I am also going to check to see if any of the rims are bent.

Anyway, anybody ever rebuilt a drive shaft? If I understand correctly, it is two pieces with a center support and bearing, as well as an internal U joint and a CV joint. I've done U joints on my old Chevvy, but have never tackled the Mercedes drive shaft design (which I'm still not sure I understand). Can a layman rebuild it, or does it need to be sent out for balancing and/or any other machine work? I haven't found a schematic for it yet.

Also, in case I just want to replace it in toto, what do you think of OEM parts vs. genuine Mercedes parts? I know there are sponsors here, but after checking their sites, I see that none of them carry drive shafts or parts. Getting one shipped from Germany is very expensive -- like over $1,000.

Thanks in advance for your help,
GT