I recently repacked the front wheel bearings of my 95 E420 with 100K and was surprised the outer wheel bearing fit right up against the spindle "nut" - is this correct or should there be a star washer between the bearing & nut? Also, how to you know when that outer bearing is worn? I repacked because I thought I was hearing some noise at low speeds but now think it was due to my front tires being a very hard compound (NITO 460s). Finally, I snugged the bearing up by putting the allen wrench in the nut and turning until it stopped - the rotor turns fine and I did not feel any slack in moving the wheel & tire once back on.
Appreciate any pointers provided.
Cheers, Denny Argall

FOr what it is worth, my 87 300TD has the original bearings that I have never repacked and my car has 227K. I know I should repack, but my father-in-law who worked as an airline mechanic for 37 years said that wheel bearings go bad more often when played with than when left alone.

On your question about tightening for the nut, do a search for this and you will get some answers.

Henry

__________________
63 190d (sold)
69 220D (sold)
69 280SL (sold)
76 BMW 2002 (sold)
86 190E-16v (Demised at Laguna Seca Turn 9)
87 300SDL (sold)
87 300SDL 135k
87 300TD 280k (sold)
95 E320W 211k
95 E320w 111k
05 C320 4matic
06 E320 CDI 90k (Totaled by a texting 19 year old girl in a nissan)
2013 GLK 250 Bluetek 4MATIC