Front bearing replacement on W124
 

How easy is it to remove and replace the front bearings on a 1994 E420; any special tools, techniques etc? Is this an expensive job? How long should it take? Any instructions, or is it pretty much straight forward (i.e. I’ll know how to do it when I see it). How do the bearings come; in a kit or something with everything I need? Thanks a bunch guys.

The only special tool needed is a dial gauge to properly set the axial play in the wheel bearing, but there are backyard methods of setting this play without special tools.

Yes, there are special techniques and steps that must be followed when replacing or regreasing a wheel bearing. This has been discussed in detail in the past. Try searching archives using keywords such as "wheel bearing", "axial play". Arm yourself with information before undertaking this job, because anything less than doing it properly will result in premature failure of the bearing.

Here is a link where I had my say:

link

Seem that most vendors sell them in a kit, with 2 bearings, seal, grease cap, bolt, and that "grease scoop" thing.

You will need to drive out and drive in the races. Much easier with the right tool for that very purpose. Plus you will need to drive in the seal. Then you need to get the preload right.

Best not to start without being confident you have the tools to get the races in without damaging them.

It helps to put the races in the freezer before installation. Use contraction to your advantage.

The perfect tool for installing the grease cap happens to be a 2 inch steel pipe coupling.

I use a large 1/2 inch drive socket installed backwards on an extension bar to drive out the old races. Use the old races to drive the new races in. Then knock the old races back out. The grease seal can be tapped in with a hammer if you are careful to keep it straight. If you have not done the job before, I would plan on two hours per wheel. With experience, one hour is plenty, assuming no complications. You can buy the bearings, seals and grease at most any parts store.

Auto Zone lones a bearing race install tool set. It has different size mandrels to be used with different size bearings. It was a breeze to install the races and the grease seal with above loaned tool set.

Wheel bearing kits are available from this site I beleive as well as your local dealer. They include the inner and outer bearings, races, radio static clip etc. Often a good buy all together.

My experience with wheel bearings is you get what you pay for.

Freezing the new races before installing them does work quite well.

Haasman

Since the car is new to me and I don't have time I am paying Blagoi's International Car Service, 1800 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH (614-486-2449) to repack and inspect mine. They recommended replacing one of the 4 up front. It should be done this afternoon. They quoted 2-1/2 hours at $79 per hour plus maybe $40 for parts. Does that sound right? (It does to me, but I'll take a reality check from you guys.) I bet the 2-1/2 is a book rate and that they can actually do it faster than that. More power to him, I'll pay book. I'm sure this is something I could do for myself, but I just don't have the time. Besides, I put 1000 miles a week on this car and get paid mileage for it. I'll put the mileage money to good use.

How often do you have to repack the bearings? I was not having any trouble with the wheels/bearings, but the car is new to me (<2 months). The bearings are the last of the fluids/lubricants to be changed out. I like to change/replace all of them since you normally can't tell for sure what has been done by the previous owner(s). (No knock on them, it is just better to be safe.)

I believe the schedule is to repack them every 90K. This should include new seals, since seals are a consumable item.

The labor comes out to $200. I don't know if that's fair. I'm somewhat disconnected from that. I work pretty hard for $200... a lot harder than it would take me to repack my front bearings. I'm not knocking you. I'm sure you figured what's worth your time. I just wanted to throw that in there.

That helps. I just put 75K tires on my car so about the time that they are ready to be replaced it will be close enough to the time to do the bearings again.

Thanks,

Jim