Loose wheel bearings???

[MikeTangas]

I've noticed lately a slight shimmy when braking hard, or from higher speeds. Was thinking that the rotor were getting worn or starting to warp. Tonight I pulled the wheels and checked out the brakes and everything looked good.

While I had the wheels off I tried to wiggle the rotor/hubs and could only detect a very slight up/down movement. I figured what the hey and decided to check and repack the bearings. Bearings looked good, no unusual wear and plenty of grease but I was able to remove the locking clamp by hand once the set bolt was loosened.

Cleaned and packed the bearings and reinstalled them. Snugged them up , replaced the dust cap and wheels, then went for a spin. The shimmy is gone.

Can the bearings being just a shade loose cause such a shimmy? Never experienced that before, or maybe in my somewhat older and wiser state I am more in tune with the car.

Also, what is the purpose of the little brass V spring (for lack of better term) sticking out from the spindle?

[Machnumber2]

I understand that the bearings have a very specific torque requirement, you should definately look up the torque in the haynes manual or CD or call the dealer.

[jylee]

The MB manual has specific torque value for tighten the bearing, by mean of using a dail gauge. When I replaced the front rotors on my 115, I felt the same shimmy, and required to re-tighten the bearing.

The brass V-shape spring is the contract spring. I think it is for the radio. They are cheap, less on dollar. I can't remember if it is on the 140, but I am sure it is on the 123 and 124 models.

jack

[stevebfl]

For the radio? Amazing as it sounds that IS what the brass spring is called. I have the presume it was some attemp to tie the static electricity to the wheel/tire combo. Its bothered me for thirty years, almost.

[MikeTangas]

A quick review of the manual I have shows a brief reference to a "shielding pin" and a "contact spring". Nothing else mentioned that I saw. Must have been some sort of attemp at dumping built up static energy from causing radio interference???