I'm doing a rotor and front wheel bearing replacement in my 300sdl and came across these little copper insert tabs that connect in the center of the axle with a flap that appears to be in contact with the allen head locknut.

What is this copper tab for? Something to do with the ABS? How should I replace these, new ones come with my wheel bearing kit.

Thanks for any help or suggestions

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87 300SDL (115,000mi. 7/1/2008)
03 Jetta Wagon TDI (62,000mi. 7/1/2008)
75 240D(sold, sad to sell it, needed the garage for the SDL!)

Smokey

I believe this is a grounding contact for the brake wear sensors if my memory is correct...if you remove it the wear sensors may not function. I'm sure others will correct me if I'm wrong.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

I thought is was something to do with radio interference. But whether they are there or not has never seemed to make any difference as far as I can tell.

Grounding path for electrical noise which can be generated by rolling tires.

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Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

I've been told it is there to dissipate the static electricity caused my the Iron in the brake pads. If this static electricity doesn't have the tab providing ground, the electricity will flow across the wheel bearings. long term this can cause the bearing material to electroplate itself to the races accelerating bearing wear.

i always just thought vaguely something about static electricity and always tried not to damage it.

this is good though.

tom w

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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.

- Manual says it's a contact spring or radio static supressor...

bnc