Center Support Bearing

[Martin Wolf]

Just a post to add info to those who may have to replace center bearing support.

Put the vehicle on jack stands so wheels are off ground, need to rotate them to remove bolts. Be sure it is solid like a rock on the stands, your loved ones will be appreciative.

6mm allen wrench on front flange, not eventful, a rachet makes it easier.

The dreaded 16 mm bolts which hold the bearing bracket are a pain. Not sure why they are the way they are unless the drive train is assembled on the chassis and then the body is dropped on.

They are difficult to get at, a gear wrench or spark plug type flex ratchet is needed. Most importantly, they are in good and tight.

As posted elsewhere, a MAP or Propane torch is just the ticket. Heat the bolt by blowing heat into the hole on frame below the bolt and get it as hot as you can.

Voila, they break loose and you can coax them out. Without heat, risk of stripping the head of the bolts and then you will cry.

Back propellor shaft u joint bolts are easy access and you can remove the propellor shaft with bearing attached and put it on your work bench.

The secret here is the use of heat to allow you to remove the 16 mm bolts. A night and day difference. Having the bolts in the frame protects them from excessive corrosion, but its tough to get a good grip on them from above.

Why did MBZ not put these bolts in from below? Since they do not get red hot, is it the heating of some sort of loc tite that makes the difference?