91 560SEL - rear left wheel hub loose

[emmydotnet]

bearing job is needed and as I have read on some threads, this is not an easy job. I am thinking of just replacing the whole assembly with a good used one - P/N 1263503205. This is the whole control - trailing arm assembly.

Has anyone done this approach rather than replacing the bearings? I know there is a special castle socket needed to replace the bearings which I do not have and cost at least $100. I am thinking replacing the whole control assembly with a used one might be easier and might cost the same in the end.

thoughts?

[Rick76]

I'd be afraid that you might end up doing a bearing job on the used control arm soon after installing it. That tool can be found for around $20. Do a search on Ebay for "axle flange nut socket". You don't need the expensive Baum tool for use one or two times.

[Mxfrank]

I've replaced bearings and I've replaced whole corners with used parts. As as mentioned, you have to be very sure that a replacement hub has a good bearing. It's just work, but a lot of work. Given a choice between the two methods, not sure I ever want to tackle another Mercedes rear wheel bearing.

[S-Class Guru]

I agree with the idea of replacing the whole arm, if you can find one that has a smooth and tight bearing.
On my '91 with 260k miles, they are still going strong. But my right one has always had just a bit of play. About 15 years ago I noticed it, and I assumed it was getting ready to go. I decided to take it loose and do the fairly entailed replacement job. Well. I never got the nut to loosen. Got a pretty good castle socket at Harbor Freight really cheap, and it worked fine, followed the service manual instructions - just could not get it to turn even with a 6-foot breaker and my whole 200 pounds on it, and penetrating oil on the nut!
Wow, I still wonder if it's left-hand threads, but the service manual doesn't say it is. So, I left it alone, deciding to wait until it failed, and it never has.
But when it does, I'll probably look for a good used arm and not try to fight it again.

DG

[emmydotnet]

Thank you for the responses. In my case the symptom is clunking randomly while driving at the left rear and a slight loose on the hub is all I can point to. Sway bar links are good. Just replaced them recently. If I push and pull from bottom and top of the tire with Jack under differential, I can feel looseness slightly. The right side is tight so that is why I am pursuing bearing problem

[emmydotnet]

Where can I get a dial gauge at reasonable price? Can it be rented?