The bearings might be the same, but the spindle nut is not. The M-B clamp-style nut doesn't allow for the same feel as a standard nut with essentially zero prevailing torque.

Anyone who thinks they can match a dial indicator "by feel" is fooling themselves. No two ways about it. But it's easy to declare success when no measure of effectiveness is employed.

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When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.

While the bearings will survive with no problem if they are a bit loose, I believe the problem with a too loose bearing is with the disk brakes. Run out is what pushes the pads back after braking. With too much run out the pads will be pushed way back making the brakes feel a bit spongy.

Some vehicles like my Ranger pickup, require an inch pound torque tightening (18 inch pounds) which is achievable using bare hands on a socket. 4 wheel drive bearings can require a good bit higher torque.

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'97 E 300 D

I wonder of those who don't think tapered roller bearing can be adjusted by feel, also use the "piece of leather" Mercedes insists you *must* use to check the ATF..... just because you cannot do a thing doesn't mean those who care are bad / wrong / etc .

Take some time and learn how to hand crape poured Babbit rod bearings for example, you could prolly learn .

Don't be so defeatist ~ there are many here who can and do hand pack and adjust tapered roller bearings , you say " Anyone who thinks they can match a dial indicator "by feel" is fooling themselves. No two ways about it. But it's easy to declare success when no measure of effectiveness is employed. "

When the simple fact that said manually adjusted bearing often log up 100,000 + miles .

Don't say things can't happen because you don't understand them .

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-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

What? The infinitely adjustable Mercedes nut makes it easier to put on correctly not harder.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Infinite adjustability (which is definitely a good thing) has absolutely nothing to do with prevailing torque. It's the prevailing torque of the M-B clamping nut that interferes will "feel" as compared to the standard nut used on many applications.

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When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.

"What? The infinitely adjustable Mercedes nut makes it easier to put on correctly not harder. "

You're wasting your breath here, another DIY'er who can't get past his insecurities .

Yes, of course I've done it both ways, I'm a Journeyman Mechanic with over 50 years of experience and training, you obviously are not and are afraid to learn .

I was thinking the other day : he'd be appalled to go into any dealer and discover most line Mechanics don't even own a dial indicator .

I notice in your weak attempt at obfuscation you ignored my queries, this clearly indicates you have no idea what you're on about .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

So there you have it. You can procure a dial indicator and adjust your bearings correctly first time, every time. Or you can spend 50 years in training.

What a tough decision.

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When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.

I didn't run into issues doing it by "feel" or by dial gauge.

When I did my front wheel bearings years ago right after getting my car, I bought a dial gauge and did my best to do them exactly as per the FSM I had -- weighed the grease, packed it as recommended, set the play as per the instructions using the dial gauge, etc.

One side failed within 1000 mi and I had to do it again after replacing the bearings and races. I don't think it failed because I got it too tight or anything, but probably a fleck of dirt. When I redid that side, I still weighed and packed the grease as recommended, but I didn't worry about the dial gauge that time, instead doing it by "feel" -- tighten all the way then provide clearance by backing off the nut a little (about 12 degrees since 22 seemed like way too much, IIRC).

Both bearings, the one done with the dial gauge and the one I did by feel, have done fine for 50kmi. YMMV.

Whichever you do, I do recommend you make sure you have reasonable play, and the hubs still turn smoothly, after you tighten the nut. There's always a little extra play due to the nut being loose that you'll lose when you tighten it down. As I recall, having to tighten the nut before every measurement was one of the most tedious parts of the process.

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'83 300DTurbo http://badges.fuelly.com/images/smallsig-us/318559.png

Broadband: more lies faster.

There you have it : you can learn basic mechanical skills or be afraid and spread disinformation .

Not a difficult choice for most .

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-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

VERY good advice. No truer words were ever spoken

I tend to always defer to age and experience whenever I'm trying to learn new things. "Mr. Nate" has probably installed THOUSANDS of bearings, over his lengthy career, by hand and probably never lost one. If you do "lose one", well you pull it out and replace it. No big deal.

"or you can spend 50 years in training"

I highly doubt it took "Mr. Nate" 50 years to learn how to adjust a bearing by hand. More like he's been doing it that way for 50 years. I was taught to do it "by hand" as well (what now seems like a few lifetimes ago). Removed old ones, cleaned, checked for wear and repacked (by hand), then reinstalled. Put in new ones, packed with fresh grease, and installed. Never lost one due to "too tight" or "too loose". Never lost a wink of sleep, either.

To each his own, I guess. Hey, if you wanna spend 2 hours doing something that should take about 15 minutes, using scales and precision measuring instruments, knock yourself out. Whatever makes YOU sleep better.

"weigh grease"?! "use a dial indicator"?! For a tapered roller bearing!!?? No thanks.
It's a car.....an old car fer crissakes......not the Space Shuttle.

I just feel badly because he's so desperately unhappy and others (not just me) have tried hard to help....

? Remember the kid who insisted no oil changes were ever necessary ? . sorta like that one .

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-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

Maybe you and/or some of the other self-proclaimed experts like Mr. Nate could post a video to teach us slow learners how to do things right.

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When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.

Plenty on you tube, if you're actually interested .

Don't fill the hub cavity nor the grease cap .

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-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

Actually, I would like to see you do the demonstration. Surely, with 50 years of experience, you could offer a degree of authenticity that just could not be found on you tube.

What, exactly, does "Don't fill" actually mean?
Does it mean don't add any grease? Does it mean add grease but not to 100% capacity?

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When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl.

I'm sure you're going to jump a jet and sit there politely and watch, right ? .

Please take your trollish self elsewhere .

M-B USA asked me to be a tech advisor when they were trying to get some forums going twenty years ago, what's your excuse for being a pill ? .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better