I have replaced quite a few front seals on OM617 engines, and I always replace the race, since it develops a groove. I am about to replace the seal on this 104 engine and it uses a hub to rub on the seal. Should I replace the hub? its kind of expensive, but I only want to do this job once.

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CR , FelPro and others make a "reddy sleeve" to fix the groove, they are in the $ 20 range for common sizes. Another fix is not to press the seal in as far as the old one, just be sure it is square to the bore. ( maybe 1/8" short of bottom )


I need to do the front seal on my 97 C280 some time over the winter.

I believe there are 3 different sort of seals available just for this purpose. They are made to ride on a different part of the hub.

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