Thanks for this, I'm about to do this same job tomorrow.

I'm needing this car back on the road *NOW* so I won't be cleaning/repacking the wheel bearings but I will at some point (next week probably) soon. I'd like to have seen a couple steps about pulling the inner bearing/seal and cleaning/repacking. I'm also concerned that if I hadn't already asked a bunch of people about how to set the bearing tension that your method would tend to influence me to set them too tight.

I'm an instructor and the big thing I've learned (sometimes the hard way) is that people will misconstrue EVERYTHING you say. Its so important to be precise..

Also saying "whatever" when somebody gives you constructive criticism is just rude. I applaud you for your effort but theres just a couple little things that could make this writeup awesome (the pics are great btw!).

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Sadly Benz-less

why? I said snug it down and then turn the nut to the left until you feel it break free, then snug down the nut.

As for the rear bearing seal just pry it out with a flat head, its going to break so just buy a new one.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

This is a recipe for disaster. The bearing sits right behind it and the temptation is to use the face of the bearing for leverage. You cannot "pry" the seal from the hub..........you must "pull" it.

this should read the Inner bearing seal... anyway, here's what I have done for years professionally and at home. it always worked for me, and it DOES NOT DAMAGE THE SEAL OR THE BEARINGS... if done carefully.

after you have popped out the outer bearing and set it in the dust cap, put the lock nut back on loosely, now gently pull the hub over the nut and rest the inner bearing against the lock nut, now slide the hub on a bit then pop it out against the nut. this will force the inner bearing race against the surface of the grease seal and pop both out of the hub.
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warning!!! if not done correctly, you can damage both the inner bearing and the race of the inner bearing. so fully inspect both after the bearings are out, and be prepared to drive out the race and replace the bearings, race and seal. !!!
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you should then clean thoroughly, the inner, outer bearings, and completely remove all traces of grease from the hub, and the spindle. unless you are absolutely sure you have exactly the same brand and weight of grease as what is already in there. most high pressure greases do not mix well...
then re pack the bearings with your preferred grease and pack a thick layer of grease inside the hub. DO NOT FILL THE HUB WITH GREASE!!! just a layer around the inside of the hub.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

...........and, without great knowledge and care, it will not be done correctly............

This procedure is fraught with risk...........I wouldn't advise it for anyone but a professional.

screw drivers weren't made for prying... Pick up a set of prybars from HF