Removal and installation the intermediate bearing of the rear crankshaft (Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163)

The installation details of the rear propeller shaft intermediate bearing are shown in the illustration, to which all references in the text refer.

Removal

1. Remove the driveshaft (see Section Removal and installation the rear propeller shaft) and transfer it to the workbench, being careful not to damage the front flange (1).

2. With the shaft in a straight line, mark the relative installation positions of the universal joint (2), the rear section of the shaft (3), the connecting arm (4) and the front section of the shaft (5).

3. Unscrew the four bolts (6) and remove the two clamps (7) of the front universal joint.

4. Separate the rear section of the shaft (3) from the connecting arm (4), being careful not to drop the hinge cups (8).

5. Loosen the coupling nut (9) and remove the adjusting washer.

6. Mark the position of the connecting lever (4) relative to the internal V-shaped spline joint.

7. Remove the lever (4) and the intermediate bearing assembly (11) from the shaft assembly - in the latter case, use a two-jaw puller, being careful not to damage the front flange (1).

Installation

1. Place the intermediate bearing (11) onto the front section of the shaft (5) with the mounting holes facing forward.

2. Having monitored the correct alignment of the landing marks applied during dismantling (see paragraph 6 above), place the connecting lever (4) on the front section of the shaft (5).

3. Install the adjusting washer and screw on the nut (9).

4. After thoroughly cleaning the mating surfaces, insert the cardan joint (2) into the connecting lever (4), ensure that the components are correctly engaged, then ensure that the marks applied during dismantling are correctly aligned (see paragraph 2 above) installation marks.

5. Install the shaft assembly in its original place (see Section Removal and installation the rear propeller shaft).