I've replaced the pads on my 83 300TD before but never the rotors; I'm planing to do this soon.

Do most people repack or replace the wheel bearings when putting on new rotors?

It strictly depends on condition.

I'm in the process of refreshing the entire front suspension on the SD and made the decision to keep the existing bearings. I can't find any issues with the rollers or the raceways, so I don't see the need to replace them "on principle".

Thanks. Just wanted to be sure repacking is common. I'll order new seals though!

I replaced "on principle" and would probably advise against it. Getting the raceways out of the hub was a chore and not worth the extra time and cost.

if they don't look burned or otherwise gnarly, just repack them.

make sure you you high temp grease

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1985 300D cali 190K

http://mercedes.thatchermathias.com/mw300d.jpg

If you don't have alternate transportation to the parts store, you might want to pick up a set of bearings in case yours don't pass muster when you get them out.

Here is a tip I learned from a 35 plus year MB technician vet.... Never clean the bearings with any kind of solvent. Reason is the bearing's "micro pores" have been "seasoned" with the original grease. When you use solvent, it removes all that grease that filled those pores. He said he has seen bearings that are clean with solvent never last as long as bearings cleaned without solvent.

So to clean to bearings, all you do is put a bunch of grease in your hands and press the bearing in the grease and work the old grease out. You can tell it gets clean when the old grease gets pushed out and new grease is getting pushed out.



.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

"Micro pores" on 52100 bearing steel...........???

Thanks, but I'll stick with acetone...........none of the old grease is desirable in those rollers.

Yeah same here. I usually send them for a swim in gasoline for a while, cleans out everything!

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Hey I'm just reporting what an old mechanic who seen many things in these old MBs stated.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

Don't believe everything you hear from "old mechanics"............

Failure to remove the solvent could be a factor in those findings.

Some of them still believe in "flushing" the engine with kerosene.

I always get bearings sparkle clean. Haven't had one come back on me yet.

However, I am shocked nobody has mentioned the importance of setting the end play! That is far more critical to bearing life than getting every atom of old grease out of it.

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^^^ Yes, setting the pre-load on the wheel bearing using a dial gauge is very important and ONLY WAY TO DO IT. More important then the Old mechanics trick.

But take old mechanic's information for what it is and to each his own on how to apply it. This is from a guy with 35 plus years of experience on MBs. So he must of experienced something to make a point of it.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

I change them out based on condition too. But age isalso a factor. If you know there 10 years old I would go ahead and replace them.
I would never replace bearings without the races. It's not as difficult as someone previously suggested.
A good drift & a 3lb sledge is all you need. Don't be afraid to really give it some good hits.
After the race starts moving you must use a brass drift. You don't want to ruin the hub.

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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I believe you mean to state that mileage is also a factor.

If so, can you opine as to why the mileage is relevant? The only reason that I can possibly fathom to replace the bearings based upon mileage is if the individual making the assessment of the bearings is concerned about his qualifications to do so.

Steel doesn't age due to mileage..........it ages based upon wear. Sometimes the two variables move together.........other times they don't. This is especially true if the bearings were maintained with fresh grease over the years.