Lift the front end off the ground, remove wheels, push pads back in calipers, and rotate the rotor. It must turn smoothly with minimal noise without the brake pads rubbing.

Any grinding, growling, or crunching indicates that the bearings are too tight.

The best way to set clearance is a dial indicator, and I strongly recommend one. Clearance is small, and cannot be felt when set correctly.

Lacking a dial indicator, the best way to set bearings (and I've done this for at least 25 years now) is to run the adjusting nut in until you feel resistance to turning the rotor. Not necessarily locked, but distinct resistance. Back the nut off until you can move the thrust washer easily, but will some light drag, with a screwdriver. Lock nut.

On the MB, you will need at least 1/3 turn, usually more to get the proper clearance.

If you then pull out and push back on the rotor, you mush not feel it move -- that is, no thump. If it does, they are too loose.

Chances are either you have bad brake pads or you got the bearings too tight, and they fried.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!