I could use a little guidance. Wrenches please come inside.

[USMCRET]

I need to remove the driveshaft on my 2023 Winnebago built on a Mercedes Sprinter. I think I have figured out how to do it with the exception of the gearbox end of things. I’m looking at the flange in the pic below and I see bolts opposing each other and I can’t make heads or tails out of this thing. I’m probably overthinking it, but how should I approach this?

And of course, the pic is sideways.

[AlanTerry]

You got a 2023 Winnebago on a Mercedes sprinter chassis and you are having issues with it and you’re not using the warranty to fix it? WHY? Please explain why you feel you need to fix it.

[JMynes]

It looks like you would remove four bolts (red arrows) and it would separate from the far side (blue arrow).

[bigb56]

That's just a flex disc commonly used on most Mercedes vehicles, it's the Mercedes version of a U joint and they have used it for decades. It unbolts with E Torx wrenches or sockets and upon installation needs to be torqued to factory spec. All positions should be marked as well so it goes back the same. I have the Mercedes Workshop Manual and can get you the information if you want. I have 2 cars to wash before it gets too hot here and I'll check back in a couple of hours.
I too am curious why you are not having the dealer do this, are you trying to remove the driveline so you can tow it? Is it damaged, or are those surface cracks? It's a pretty rugged system and can look rough but still be OK.

[USMCRET]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Huge help.

The reason I am doing this will be the subject of another thread once I get it sorted. The short version is I’m making it towable. I understood the warranty implications when I bought it for this purpose.

Bigb56: Very valuable input. I will gladly accept any info you can provide at your convenience.

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by USMCRET

Thanks for the replies, guys. Huge help.

The reason I am doing this will be the subject of another thread once I get it sorted. The short version is I’m making it towable. I understood the warranty implications when I bought it for this purpose.

Bigb56: Very valuable input. I will gladly accept any info you can provide at your convenience.

I'll get the info right after I eat breakfast. Meanwhile, check this out: https://remcodsc.com/coupling/

and this thread on the Sprinter forum: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/i...threads/88061/

Also if you don't have the e torx tools you can use 12 point sockets and wrenches but using the correct tool might be needed for proper torqueing.

[USMCRET]

Originally Posted by bigb56

I'll get the info right after I eat breakfast. Meanwhile, check this out: https://remcodsc.com/coupling/

and this thread on the Sprinter forum: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/i...threads/88061/

Also if you don't have the e torx tools you can use 12 point sockets and wrenches but using the correct tool might be needed for proper torqueing.

I’ve been on the sprinter forum, but had not discovered that thread. Thanks for pointing it out.

I have the disconnect kit. Plan A was to have it installed by someone here locally, but that plan went bust on Friday. Plan B is to send the shaft to Superior Driveline (Remco) and have them modify it to incorporate the disconnect coupling. I’ll install the disconnect shifter myself or take it somewhere else to have it done. Remco’s instructions are pretty explicit and I believe within my capabilities once I have a modified and balanced driveshaft to work with.

Everything else needed to tow it is already installed; baseplate, wiring, Air Force One, etc. The driveshaft is the last and so far most difficult step to accomplish. There aren’t many who are knowledgeable, experienced, or willing to do the work, especially in my region.

[Flyer15015]

OP,
I did the same thing many years ago to a Chevy C-10 full sized van.
Put a driveline disconnecting collar in her. They did not have the operating cable, so I just slid under and moved it by hand. Towed it several times to Florida and back using a homemade tow bar with no issues.
Life was much simpler back then.

Mike in Colorado

[bigb56]

Well I ran into a slight problem. The 3 piece driveline on my 5 ton Sprinter chassis does not use a flex disc and since on the Mercedes EPC/WIS program I can only look up by VIN, it doesn't show flex disc removal for my VIN. Your VIN won't work either since you have a 2023, my program is 3 years old and only goes up to 2020. You could try Googling Mercedes flex disc removal since they used them on all different vehicles over the years, or ask over at the Sprinter forum. Bear in mind Mercedes refers to the driveline as the "propeller shaft". Also be careful to block the wheels so the van doesn't roll when you remove the shaft.
One thing my program does mention is that the propeller shaft attachment bolts are not to be re-used, new ones with the special dual composition coating are to be used upon re-installation.

[USMCRET]

Originally Posted by bigb56

Well I ran into a slight problem. The 3 piece driveline on my 5 ton Sprinter chassis does not use a flex disc and since on the Mercedes EPC/WIS program I can only look up by VIN, it doesn't show flex disc removal for my VIN. Your VIN won't work either since you have a 2023, my program is 3 years old and only goes up to 2020. You could try Googling Mercedes flex disc removal since they used them on all different vehicles over the years, or ask over at the Sprinter forum. Bear in mind Mercedes refers to the driveline as the "propeller shaft". Also be careful to block the wheels so the van doesn't roll when you remove the shaft.
One thing my program does mention is that the propeller shaft attachment bolts are not to be re-used, new ones with the special dual composition coating are to be used upon re-installation.

Thanks so much, Brian. I really appreciate your efforts. You have removed the cloud of mystery for me, at least on this one item.

[USMCRET]

Originally Posted by Flyer15015

OP,
I did the same thing many years ago to a Chevy C-10 full sized van.
Put a driveline disconnecting collar in her. They did not have the operating cable, so I just slid under and moved it by hand. Towed it several times to Florida and back using a homemade tow bar with no issues.
Life was much simpler back then.

Mike in Colorado

I have considered the option of manual disconnection, but between this thing siting as low as it does and my beer drinking habit, I cannot slide under there without ramps, jacks, or some other means to lift it up a few inches. Needless to say, a huge PITA when making multiple stops on a trip.

[Toby Dog]

"special dual composition coating" is German for loc-tite. I would use blue. Red usually requires heat to release.

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by Toby Dog

"special dual composition coating" is German for loc-tite. I would use blue. Red usually requires heat to release.

In the service program they show it as being red and blue combined, it comes already applied on the new bolts.

[USMCRET]

Originally Posted by bigb56

In the service program they show it as being red and blue combined, it comes already applied on the new bolts.

Brian, will the MB dealer sell those to me?