PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Replacing the rear wheel bearings on a W123, W126

dmorrison · #4 12-01-2007, 10:59 PM

Picture #11

Remove the seal on the inside of the hub from underneath the car. I used a large screwdriver.

Picture #12

I did not have a slide hammer to remove the hub. I did the
Following, I Used a brass drift to hammer out the hub from under the car. I hammered it out about ½ inch. I then installed the rotor as shown and used it as a slide hammer to get the hub to release from the inner bearings.

Picture #13

This is the hub removed and attached to the rotor.

Picture #14

Now for the most difficult part, removing the outer bearings and race assembly. As you can see I destroyed the bearing cage in the process and tore up the inner race.
To do the job Use a wide flat chisel and force it between he inner race and the hub. ( I forgot to mark the picture, page 8 of the post has a photo of where to force the chisel ) ). As the race starts to separate from the seat you can use a 3 jaw puller
And a flat washer to pull the bearings/race assembly off the hub.
If you try to pound away at the bearing cage it will come apart, as shown. Then if you try and chisel at the lip that is left. It will break apart and fly everywhere ( wear safety glasses ).
So the solution is to use the flat chisel between the race and the hub shoulder.
Another suggestion would be to bring the hub and new bearings to an indy or the dealer and pay them a few bucks to do this part.

Picture #15

The wheel area needs to be cleaned of all grease and the races removed.

Dave