Rear wheel bearings aren't fun to replace

[Diesel 924]

Just a few thoughts on rear wheel bearing replacement for those planning on someday doing their own. The Mercedes shop manual is a good place to start. If you read the procedure and understand it thoroughly it helps. The special tools you absolutely need are the socket to remove and install the bearing nut, a slide hammer that AutoZone rents or loans and a dial indicator for measuring the end-play(should be .001-.002"). First, that nut is TIGHT. It takes about 250 lbs./ft. to get the proper end-play so if you don't think you can muster that much, it's better to take it to a garage. When you are on your back it is difficult, I was sore for a week. The manual tells you to use a special holding fixture to keep the stub axle stationary. I used some scrap steel bolted to the axle flange and a steel bar going through that and leaning into the floor. This worked out pretty well but it took some experimenting to get the proper hole pattern. The slide hammer is crucial to have too. Getting the stub axle out of the trailing arm when it's been there for 200,000 miles is impossible without it. Don't even think about trying to do the job with a homemade socket, the proper one is absolutely critical.

Here's a pic of the axle swung out of the way:



Here's my homemade holding fixture:


And here's the dial-indicator setup for checking the endplay:

[leathermang]

I was sore longer than that...

People should check their manuals while their MB dealers are open before they tear into this repair because some use a crush washer instead of allowing for play..
You still need an indicator... but it is something like measureing it and then compressing it a tiny amount and measureing it again.. if you tighten it too much you are supposed to take it apart and start over....the compression washer can only be used once... so if you take the thing apart you need to have that in order to put it back together.. hince the suggestion you read the manual while your dealer is open...
My wagon was a real bear.... that special socket is available for about $27 somewhere , I found out after paying $45 for it...