Thanks whunter!
I'm sure you know exactly what you are talking about, but I want to make sure I don't spend money in the wrong places. According to my manual for the Model 107 Service Manual for the 1986-1989 560SL, the tool you show is not one of the special tools shown in the manual. One of the special tools shown is one they call "Socket for slot nut rear axle shaft flange - 115 589 02 07 00" which is described here:
http://www.startekinfo.de/etools/content/tool.jsp?toolno=115%20589%2002%2007%2000
It appears there is a special slotted nut on the rear axle shaft flange which can be accessed after removing the rear axle. But then what? If I remove this nut will the entire assembly separate from the car so I can bring it to a shop and have the bearings replaced or do I need pullers and installers and do all the work here with all these special tools? Other special tools listed in the manual for this job are:
1. Impact puller for rear axle shaft flange: 116 589 23 33 00
2. Puller for tapered roller bearings outer race: 115 589 00 33 00
3. Remover for tapered roller bearing inner race: 115 589 02 43 00
4. Puller for tapered roller bearing inner races (basic tool): 001 589 36 33 00
5. Collet for puller 001 589 36 33 00 for tapered roller bearing inner race: 000 589 02 34 00
6. Installer for tapered roller bearing outer races and radial sealing rings on semi-traling arm: 116 589 11 61 00
7. Assembly tool for rear wheel bearing: 116 589 24 31 00
8. Dial gauge holder: 136 589 04 21 00
9. Assembly plate for rear axle shaft flange: 136 589 05 31 00
10. Installer for tapered roller bearing race on rear axle shaft flange: 116 589 09 15 00
Where would you get all these special tools and are they all needed for a simple wheel pull? I am able to find the special "Slot Nut" tool, but that's about all that can be found. Also it seems the "Assembly plate for rear axle shaft flange - 136 589 05 -31 00" is a tool that isn't really needed or can be made very easily. It seems all this does is keep the hub/flange from turning when unbolting/tightening the shaft flange which can likely be done simply by placing bolts in the flange and using a bar to keep it from spinning.
No other tools are listed. Also note that the tools above suggest "tapered roller bearings" and the tool you show states "Will not work on Solid / Live Axles or Tapered Roller Bearings.". I'm more confused now than when I started.
I'm not a machanic and have NEVER done this before. The manual doesn't give specifics on how the job is done so I have no clue how it all comes together. If I knew what I "truly" needed and knew what to expect, I can do do the job. When I did the front I simply removed the hub with bearings intact and took my bearing kit, seals and hub to a machinest and had the old pressed out, bearings packed and the new bearings and seals pressed in. Then I came back and simply placed the hub back on the car and dialed it all in. Does the rear require I do everything here? I was hoping to basically do the same thing and just remove this and take it to someone to replace the bearings and seals.
Just wanting to clarify what tools are actually needed for the job and whether or not I must do it all myself. If I knew how to take this apart the battle would be half over.
Thanks in advance,
-Tony-