I'm trying to remove the rear hub assembly to replace the rear wheel bearing and I've got a couple issues:

1. How do you get the spring carrier screw out (on the bottom). I've removed the 21mm nut but that bolt doesn't want to move. Do I need to whack it with a hammer (a lot!?)?

2. Any ideas on how to remove the the right-most suspension link (see attached image). Do I need to remove the attachment on the frame in order to obtain the right angle to remove this from the hub?

3. With all of the suspension components (and that giant 30mm nut) removed how is the hub removed from the axle?
There is a rubber boot that is connected to the hub (on the back side) - do I need to loosen the clamps on this rubber boot to remove the hub assembly?

Thanks!!

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

First of ALL you need to have both sides of the rear axle at the same plane...
IF not then the anti-sway bar will put a lot of load on the control arms.

Put jack stands under both lower control arms.

2) that is the toe-link & that end is like a tie rod end..either a special puller OR smacking the part of the hub where that goes in.

3) I always remove the axle first.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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With both sides of the rear axle in the same plane - am I going to push the splined axle (where the 21mm 12-point bolt was screwed on) into/through the hub (towards the differential) or pull the axle out of the hub?

This is certainly a tough DIY project - I really appreciate your help!

__________________
Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

I disconnect the 6 star bolts & remove the axle.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I see - that's what billybob told me in a PM. Good thing I was planning on replacing my differential at the same time - I just purchased a set of the XZN sockets.

Thanks again!

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Nothing is ever as easy as it seems...

I just want to make sure I understand things correctly - I have the axle bolts removed at the differential and I'm trying to push the axle through the wheel carrier, but its not going real well.

First - this boot (see pic1) - it seems to be pretty well attached to the wheel carrier and axle (the two pieces I'm trying to separate) - will this just slide off with the axle?

Second - With the axle disconnected should the shaft come down and out (at the diff.)? On this side of the car there is a support piece for the ABS/ASR wiring - tell me this doesn't have to come off.

Or should it go up and to the front of the differential - allowing you to get the axle shaft out of the hub? (see pic2)

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__________________
Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

from what i've seen in your pictures so far, this is going to be one hell of a job with the amount of rust you've got. the half shaft end that splines into the hub may be rusted in which case you're going to need some sort of extractor/puller to press the half shaft out of the hub. the half shaft should be pressed out of the hub towards the diff.

if you have the right tools, you can change the bearing without removing the entire hub carrier assembly from the car. if you don't, you'll still need special adapters etc. plus a hydraulic press to press the old bearing out and the new bearing in.

i'd recommend getting some sort of manual before going any further and ensure that you'll have the necessary tools to complete the job.

doing this job on jackstands without the proper tools plus the additional rust factor will be challenging indeed...

I certainly agree on the challenging factor - but surprisingly I haven't had too much trouble loosening the bolts. I've been using "Liquid Wrench" to clean/scrape all the rust off the outside of each bolt before I even attempt to loosen it.

I am hoping to get the axle shaft pressed out of the wheel carrier tomorrow - is there any danger in having an assistant tap on the splined axle end (where that 30mm 12 pointed nut was attached) with a hammer/punch while I pull the axle from under the car?

I just received the bearing today - man this thing is a giant!

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

I wouldn't think of doing all that work. The axle needs to be removed but after that we used to use the slide hammer aproach shown in the picture. We did that until we bought the Klann KL 0330 with hydraulic ram also pictured.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician