Propeller shaft - Revision history

Pokseva: shortened section titles

2025-07-29T14:29:15Z

shortened section titles

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:29, 29 July 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	==Description ~~- Propeller Shaft~~==		==Description==
	W220 Propeller Shafts are of the two-piece design. M-B produced this design because it completely eliminates natural frequency vibrations commonly found in many one piece Propeller Shafts.		W220 Propeller Shafts are of the two-piece design. M-B produced this design because it completely eliminates natural frequency vibrations commonly found in many one piece Propeller Shafts.

Line 14:		Line 14:
	* This design causes M-B Propeller Shafts to rotate with the smallest amount of radial run-out possible and with accurate dynamic balancing results in super smooth and quiet performance.		* This design causes M-B Propeller Shafts to rotate with the smallest amount of radial run-out possible and with accurate dynamic balancing results in super smooth and quiet performance.

	==Issues ~~- Propeller Shaft~~==		==Issues==
	The following are common issues associated with the W220 Drive/Tail/Propeller Shaft assembly.		The following are common issues associated with the W220 Drive/Tail/Propeller Shaft assembly.
	* Cracked and fatigued Flexi Discs,		* Cracked and fatigued Flexi Discs,

	[[File:W220_Flexi_Disc_Showing_Cracking.JPG\|300px~~\|center~~]]		[[File:W220_Flexi_Disc_Showing_Cracking.JPG\|300px]]

	* Worn Centre Bearing,		* Worn Centre Bearing,
Line 27:		Line 27:
	* Staked UJ cups making DIY replacement impossible. (Requires accurate centering on a professional jig and welding.)		* Staked UJ cups making DIY replacement impossible. (Requires accurate centering on a professional jig and welding.)

	[[File:W220_Staked_OEM_Universal_Joint.JPG\|300px~~\|center~~]]		[[File:W220_Staked_OEM_Universal_Joint.JPG\|300px]]

	== Symptoms ~~- Propeller Shaft~~==		== Symptoms==
	* Strong vibrations under acceleration,		* Strong vibrations under acceleration,
	* Clunking noises,		* Clunking noises,
	* Complete and catastrophic failure of Flex Discs.		* Complete and catastrophic failure of Flex Discs.

	==Dimensions ~~- Propeller Shaft~~==		==Dimensions==
	===W220 2003 Update S500L===		===W220 2003 Update S500L===
	[[File:Dimensions_Propeller_Shaft_W220_2003_Update_S500L.JPG\|500px\|center]]		[[File:Dimensions_Propeller_Shaft_W220_2003_Update_S500L.JPG\|500px\|center]]

	==Dimensions - ~~Propeller Shaft~~ UJs==		===Dimensions - UJs===
	* Bearing Cap Diameter: 24mm (0.945")		* Bearing Cap Diameter: 24mm (0.945")
	* Distance Between Bearing Cap Ends: 88 mm (3.465")		* Distance Between Bearing Cap Ends: 88 mm (3.465")

	==Availability - ~~Propeller Shaft~~ UJs==		==Availability - UJs==
	===Universal Joint ~~- Propeller Shaft~~===		===Universal Joint===
	Because of the unusual size of the M-B UJs they are difficult to source and W220 UJs are not the same as readily available earlier M-B UJ’s. Bakkeren Nederland have two versions of the correct size UJ for W220s listed in their catalogue.		Because of the unusual size of the M-B UJs they are difficult to source and W220 UJs are not the same as readily available earlier M-B UJ’s. Bakkeren Nederland have two versions of the correct size UJ for W220s listed in their catalogue.
	* KR 1.720.114 is an M-B OEM part and		* KR 1.720.114 is an M-B OEM part and
Line 50:		Line 50:
	'''Comparison of Early M-B UJs Versus W220 UJs.'''		'''Comparison of Early M-B UJs Versus W220 UJs.'''

	[[File:Comparison_of_Early_MB_UJs_Versus_W220_UJs.JPG\|500px~~\|center~~]]		[[File:Comparison_of_Early_MB_UJs_Versus_W220_UJs.JPG\|500px]]

	Reference: http://www.bakkerennl.nl/products-services/universal-joints/		Reference: http://www.bakkerennl.nl/products-services/universal-joints/

	==Angle Measurements ~~- Propeller Shaft~~==		==Angle Measurements==
	Driveshaft bend angles that are outside the specified tolerances can produce drivetrain vibration and rough response to acceleration.		Driveshaft bend angles that are outside the specified tolerances can produce drivetrain vibration and rough response to acceleration.

	WIS document AR41.10-P-0086IW describes how to measure propeller shaft angular alignment with an electronic propeller shaft inclinometer.		WIS document AR41.10-P-0086IW describes how to measure propeller shaft angular alignment with an electronic propeller shaft inclinometer.

	==DIY Refurbishment ~~- Propeller Shaft~~==		==DIY Refurbishment==
	Refer to Post #18 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-2.html		Refer to Post #18 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-2.html

	and Post #34 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-4.html		and Post #34 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-4.html

Pokseva: Pokseva moved page WIS 41.10 Propeller Shaft to Propeller shaft: making URL more friendly

2025-07-29T14:27:20Z

Pokseva moved page WIS 41.10 Propeller Shaft to Propeller shaft: making URL more friendly

← Older revision	Revision as of 14:27, 29 July 2025
(No difference)

Ricebubbles at 11:06, 19 March 2015

2015-03-19T11:06:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:06, 19 March 2015
Line 18:		Line 18:
	* Cracked and fatigued Flexi Discs,		* Cracked and fatigued Flexi Discs,

	~~http~~:~~//w220.ee/images/f/f1/~~W220_Flexi_Disc_Showing_Cracking.JPG		[[File:W220_Flexi_Disc_Showing_Cracking.JPG\|300px\|center]]

	* Worn Centre Bearing,		* Worn Centre Bearing,
Line 27:		Line 27:
	* Staked UJ cups making DIY replacement impossible. (Requires accurate centering on a professional jig and welding.)		* Staked UJ cups making DIY replacement impossible. (Requires accurate centering on a professional jig and welding.)

	~~http~~:~~//w220.ee/images/3/3f/~~W220_Staked_OEM_Universal_Joint.JPG		[[File:W220_Staked_OEM_Universal_Joint.JPG\|300px\|center]]

	== Symptoms - Propeller Shaft==		== Symptoms - Propeller Shaft==
Line 36:		Line 36:
	==Dimensions - Propeller Shaft==		==Dimensions - Propeller Shaft==
	===W220 2003 Update S500L===		===W220 2003 Update S500L===
	~~http~~:~~//w220.ee/images/3/3b/~~Dimensions_Propeller_Shaft_W220_2003_Update_S500L.JPG		[[File:Dimensions_Propeller_Shaft_W220_2003_Update_S500L.JPG\|500px\|center]]

	==Dimensions - Propeller Shaft UJs==		==Dimensions - Propeller Shaft UJs==
Line 50:		Line 50:
	'''Comparison of Early M-B UJs Versus W220 UJs.'''		'''Comparison of Early M-B UJs Versus W220 UJs.'''

	~~http~~:~~//w220.ee/images/5/54/~~Comparison_of_Early_MB_UJs_Versus_W220_UJs.JPG		[[File:Comparison_of_Early_MB_UJs_Versus_W220_UJs.JPG\|500px\|center]]

	Reference: http://www.bakkerennl.nl/products-services/universal-joints/		Reference: http://www.bakkerennl.nl/products-services/universal-joints/

Ricebubbles at 11:04, 19 March 2015

2015-03-19T11:04:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:04, 19 March 2015
Line 1:		Line 1:
	==Description==		==Description - Propeller Shaft==
	W220 Propeller Shafts are of the two-piece design. M-B produced this design because it completely eliminates natural frequency vibrations commonly found in many one piece Propeller Shafts.		W220 Propeller Shafts are of the two-piece design. M-B produced this design because it completely eliminates natural frequency vibrations commonly found in many one piece Propeller Shafts.

Line 14:		Line 14:
	* This design causes M-B Propeller Shafts to rotate with the smallest amount of radial run-out possible and with accurate dynamic balancing results in super smooth and quiet performance.		* This design causes M-B Propeller Shafts to rotate with the smallest amount of radial run-out possible and with accurate dynamic balancing results in super smooth and quiet performance.

	==Issues==		==Issues - Propeller Shaft==
	The following are common issues associated with the W220 Drive/Tail/Propeller Shaft assembly.		The following are common issues associated with the W220 Drive/Tail/Propeller Shaft assembly.
	* Cracked and fatigued Flexi Discs,		* Cracked and fatigued Flexi Discs,
Line 29:		Line 29:
	http://w220.ee/images/3/3f/W220_Staked_OEM_Universal_Joint.JPG		http://w220.ee/images/3/3f/W220_Staked_OEM_Universal_Joint.JPG

	== Symptoms==		== Symptoms - Propeller Shaft==
	* Strong vibrations under acceleration,		* Strong vibrations under acceleration,
	* Clunking noises,		* Clunking noises,
Line 43:		Line 43:

	==Availability - Propeller Shaft UJs==		==Availability - Propeller Shaft UJs==
			===Universal Joint - Propeller Shaft===
	Because of the unusual size of the M-B UJs they are difficult to source and W220 UJs are not the same as readily available earlier M-B UJ’s. Bakkeren Nederland have two versions of the correct size UJ for W220s listed in their catalogue.		Because of the unusual size of the M-B UJs they are difficult to source and W220 UJs are not the same as readily available earlier M-B UJ’s. Bakkeren Nederland have two versions of the correct size UJ for W220s listed in their catalogue.
	* KR 1.720.114 is an M-B OEM part and		* KR 1.720.114 is an M-B OEM part and
Line 58:		Line 59:
	WIS document AR41.10-P-0086IW describes how to measure propeller shaft angular alignment with an electronic propeller shaft inclinometer.		WIS document AR41.10-P-0086IW describes how to measure propeller shaft angular alignment with an electronic propeller shaft inclinometer.

	==DIY Refurbishment - Propeller Shaft ~~Assembly~~==		==DIY Refurbishment - Propeller Shaft==
	Refer to Post #18 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-2.html		Refer to Post #18 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-2.html

	and Post #34 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-4.html		and Post #34 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-4.html

Ricebubbles: Added detail for WIS 41.10 Propeller Shaft.

2015-03-11T12:30:02Z

Added detail for WIS 41.10 Propeller Shaft.

New page

==Description==
W220 Propeller Shafts are of the two-piece design. M-B produced this design because it completely eliminates natural frequency vibrations commonly found in many one piece Propeller Shafts.

The Propeller Shaft Assembly consists of;
* Rubber flex discs which connect the transmission output shaft to the front Propeller Shaft and the rear Propeller Shaft to the rear differential.
* These flex discs absorb torsional vibrations from the engine/transmission and reduce shock load to the Propeller Shaft and rear axles.
* A front Propeller Shaft constructed of an extremely strong tubular section made from a special steel and cold worked for additional strength, which saves weight compared to other designs of drivelines.
* The front Propeller Shaft is connected to the rear Propeller Shaft (same construction to the front shaft) with a universal joint (UJ) and a sliding spline.
* The UJ is a precision bearing, which allows for small angle changes due to initial alignment and engine and transmission movement.
* M-B UJs are an extremely precise design for a universal joint and have considerable torque carrying capacity. Unlike most designs, the roller bearings are contained in a thin shell, stamped from an exotic alloy sheet metal 1 mm thick. It is formed accurately enough to not require subsequent machining and is heat treated sufficiently by the force of the stamping to not require subsequent heat treating. The thinness of this bearing cap allows a large cross and larger roller bearings to be utilized, greatly increasing both strength and bearing life, while keeping size and weight low.
* The rear Propeller Shaft is supported by a centrally located ball bearing which is encased in a soft rubber housing mounted on the vehicle chassis. This housing helps dampen unwanted vibrations, and to some extent both the flex discs and the support housing can be tuned to the specific arrangement of chassis, transmission and rear axle.
* A centre spline is used to accommodate slight dimensional variations between the transmission output flange and the differential input flange.
* Centering Bushes are used to ensure the front Propeller Shaft is perfectly aligned with the transmission output shaft and the rear Propeller Shaft is perfectly aligned with the differential pinion shaft.
* This design causes M-B Propeller Shafts to rotate with the smallest amount of radial run-out possible and with accurate dynamic balancing results in super smooth and quiet performance.

==Issues==
The following are common issues associated with the W220 Drive/Tail/Propeller Shaft assembly.
* Cracked and fatigued Flexi Discs,

http://w220.ee/images/f/f1/W220_Flexi_Disc_Showing_Cracking.JPG

* Worn Centre Bearing,
* Worn Universal Joints (UJ),
* Flat spots on UJ roller bearings. The front and rear Propeller Shafts are only a few degrees out of alignment and hence the UJ does very little work. The needle bearings in the UJ cups do not rotate much and consequently wear flat spots on the needles and bearing surfaces.
* Worn spline,
* Misalignment due to worn engine mounts,
* Staked UJ cups making DIY replacement impossible. (Requires accurate centering on a professional jig and welding.)

http://w220.ee/images/3/3f/W220_Staked_OEM_Universal_Joint.JPG

== Symptoms==
* Strong vibrations under acceleration,
* Clunking noises,
* Complete and catastrophic failure of Flex Discs.

==Dimensions - Propeller Shaft==
===W220 2003 Update S500L===
http://w220.ee/images/3/3b/Dimensions_Propeller_Shaft_W220_2003_Update_S500L.JPG

==Dimensions - Propeller Shaft UJs==
* Bearing Cap Diameter: 24mm (0.945")
* Distance Between Bearing Cap Ends: 88 mm (3.465")

==Availability - Propeller Shaft UJs==
Because of the unusual size of the M-B UJs they are difficult to source and W220 UJs are not the same as readily available earlier M-B UJ’s. Bakkeren Nederland have two versions of the correct size UJ for W220s listed in their catalogue.
* KR 1.720.114 is an M-B OEM part and
* KR 1.720.117 is a Bakkeren part.

'''Comparison of Early M-B UJs Versus W220 UJs.'''

http://w220.ee/images/5/54/Comparison_of_Early_MB_UJs_Versus_W220_UJs.JPG

Reference: http://www.bakkerennl.nl/products-services/universal-joints/

==Angle Measurements - Propeller Shaft==
Driveshaft bend angles that are outside the specified tolerances can produce drivetrain vibration and rough response to acceleration.

WIS document AR41.10-P-0086IW describes how to measure propeller shaft angular alignment with an electronic propeller shaft inclinometer.

==DIY Refurbishment - Propeller Shaft Assembly==
Refer to Post #18 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-2.html

and Post #34 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1711122-w220-s500l-drive-tail-propeller-shaft-4.html