1996 E230 Saloon Front N/S Wheel Bearing

[Westy]

Hi All,

Just doing a local trip on friday night and the front N/S wheel bearing suddenly decided to shuffle of its mortal coil! I was not aware of any groaning etc. from the bearing previously, it just decided it had had enough!

I investigated new parts on Saturday, MB wanted £140 for the complete hub and local factors £16.50 + VAT for repair kit. Hmmmmmm now let me think about this one £140.00 or £20.00? Difficult choice eh?!

So I've ordered the kit, which should be here this afternoon and hopefully the weather will remain dry so I can get out there and do it.

Is this a straight forward job? I've done a few wheel bearings in the past and they were quite easy, just nip them up tight on refitting and back the nut off a 1/3 of a turn.

Russeks manual says a dial gauge is required to check adjustment of the bearing! Is this an absolute or overkill?

Any tips 'n' tricks that may help?

All help very gratefully received. Thanks in advance,

Si.

 

[television]

Cleanliness is the order of the day for bearings, if the outer cage needs pressing out, do take care to remove it evenly all the way round so as not to put a burr on the cage housing.

When re fitting put the hub in the oven for 10 mins, and put the bearing outer cage in the freezer for an hour, the cage will then drop in by hand with no damage to either risk.

When fitting the bearing to the wheel, do keep the hub rotating the whole time to avoid making dents in the cages from the rollers.

Run out checks should not be necessary if care is taken.

 

[Westy]

Hi Malcolm,

Thanks for your excellent advice.

Just a couple more questions.

Plenty of grease applied during fitting to all parts?

I don't have a bearing puller, how can I remove it - if it wont just drop out?

Oh yeah, and should I adjust cooking time for fan assisted?! LOL


Cheers,

Si.

 

[television]

The old cage can be removed with a hammer and drift, I often use a large socket and use the bench drill as a press, knocking it out with a punch does work, doing it evenly all round.

You could always ask your local garage man

No grease until the cages are in, and only use the best waterproof high temp grease.

When using the oven, its not important as you do not have any joints on it

 

[Westy]

Thanks Malcolm.

No joints, I'll save the gravy for another day then!