I plan on replacing a rear wheel bearing (right side) on my 98' C280. I've never done this before nor do I have a repair manual as a guide. From the pic of the parts:



It appears I need special sockets for the inverted style torx bolts for the CV joint. Also will need a drift to remove the bearing, anyone know the outer diameter or the size socket one could use to drift out the bearing?

I realize this will be a difficult job without the proper tools yet I will try it so any and all tips/suggestions are highly welcome.

Thanks, MarkC

I have used (tsk tsk I know) a regular socket set to remove a similar set of bolts (seat bolts on a 98 C230) and didn't have any troubles. You could attempt to remove these the same way, just be extra careful not to strip them. Then, when you can't get them, buy the correct set of wrenches.

You can buy a set of Torx sockets for less then $15. They're well worth the money and will save you hours of fustration.

Sears, Pep Boys and other mass marketer parts stores carry the tool you need -> female torx. If you want to gamble with rounding off one of these heads, go for it, but you'll wish you hadn't if you can't break them loose with the wrong tool and round the head in the process.

Get the right tools first.

__________________
'91 300-SEL

Thanks for the replies.

What I meant when I wrote; "I realize this will be a difficult job without the proper tools yet I will try it.." was about eth socket used as a drift. I also think it's wise to use the proper socket head on these bolts as they will require a lot of torque.

Anyone know what size the bolts they are and the size the the axle nut?

One thing I may do is put the bearing in a sealed bag placed in the freezer, I understand that the shrunken cooled bearing is easier to slide into it’s position.

The real question; Any tips or ‘how-to‘, as I have no repair manual to go by.
Thanks,
MarkC

The "freeze the new bearing" is a common technique used with P-911 bubbas. The temp delta makes for a easier insert.

Might want to ping a tool site and get a large set of sockets. [axle nut] and for the torx sockets // also there are bearing insert sets > specifically designed to insert a new bearing..

I've done the socket as a drift technique as well as a real bearing insert. The real tool was better

There is no substitute for using the correct tool for the job... makes for "life-is-good" karma....

Have six questions:

1. Anyone know the External Torx socket size for the bolts?

I could buy a kit that includes E6, E7, E8, E10, E12, E14, and E16 from Sears and hope one of them fits.

2. Anyone know the size of the axle nut?

3. Will I need a threaded type bearing puller, or can the old bearing be punched out with a drift?

4. Inserting a bearing by pushing on the outer race with a driver seems logical, does the axle slid easily into the center of the bearing? If not, will I need a special tool to pull/push the axle through the center race without damaging the bearing with excessive force on the inner race?

5. For those who write "buy a bearing tool", what type of bearing tool are you referring too?

6. Anyone here done this job before? If so, your tips or comments are highly appreciated.

Thanks,
MarkC