Pic. 241. The device of a three-section cardan shaft: 1 - hex bolt, 85–90 Nm; 2 - intermediate support of the front shaft; 3 - middle shaft; 4 - intermediate support of the rear shaft; 5 - rear shaft; 6 — a bolt of fastening of a cardan shaft; 7 - washer; 8 - hex bolt, 85–90 Nm; 9 - safety bracket of the intermediate support; 10 - propeller shaft bolt, 60–65 Nm; 11 - washer; 12 - bolt, 85–90 Nm; 13 — safety bracket of the intermediate support; 14 - safety bracket; 15 - front shaft; 16 — a bolt of fastening of a cardan shaft
Depending on the modification of the vehicle, the cardan shaft may consist of two or three sections. Their length is also not the same for different models, due to differences in the base of cars and the types of installed gearboxes - manual or automatic. The device of a three-section cardan shaft is shown in fig. 241. A two-section bridge has only one intermediate support, but otherwise its connection and fastening is identical to a three-section one.
The cardan shaft is not repairable. If one or both joints fail, the entire cardan shaft must be replaced. However, before buying a new shaft, check with a Mercedes workshop about the possibility of repairing it.