Front Wheel Bearings - 2004 C230 SS
 

I have a 2004, C230 Sport Sedan with 65,000 miles on it. I'm getting ready to do a brake job on it and thought it would be worthwhile repacking the front wheel bearings while I'm at it.

It looks as though it is difficult to remove the inner wheel bearing without destroying it and possibly damaging the exiter ring (per Haynes Manual). Any suggestions about how to do this without causing damage? Also, is it worth repacking the wheel bearings now or should I wait? Thanks for your help, guys.

Jeff.

65000 miles? It's time.

The easiest way to remove the rear seal is to knock out the rear bearing and the seal will come right out, without damage. However, I don't know if I would want to reuse the bearing after being extracted this way. The bearing may be OK (bearings are much harder than drift punches), but I couldn't recommend reusing it, not at least without seeing it. So that leaves you with the other option of repacking the bearing while in the hub by sticking a couple of grease-covered fingers inside through the seal & bearing. This works well as long as there is no burned grease, and you use the exact type of existing grease.

Front Wheel Bearings
 

Thanks for the info. It seems the removal process of the inside bearing is exactly as you say, i.e., it is questionable if it can be reused. I'll get a new bearing and seal and do the job right. Thanks again.

Jeff.

What is the recommended interval for repacking the front wheel bearings?

Thanks,

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280