Pulling the race/strange moaning noise?

[Jub]

Hi everyone,

I ordered a bearing kit last weekend, because my car makes this strange sound when I back up and turn the wheel at the same time (from stop position). So, thought time to change my front bearings.

Pulled the wheels, pulled the calipers, poped off the axle screw and changed my inner and outer bearings (both wheels). Couldn't figure out how to swap out the race part though (hit them a few times with a hammer but it wouldn't budge; didn't want to damage it so just replaced the bearings).

Questions:

How important is the race (I looked at it looked pretty good compared to new one)?

If it should be swapped out, how do we pull it (is there a puller tool or something)?

Anybody have any ideas what the noise is (still there when I backed up today; started about 2 weeks ago)?

Finally, should I also replace the back bearings as well (ie, do the front ones usually go bad more frequently vs. the back ones)?

Thanks in advance.

[mosu]

Did my bearings a while ago and ended up taking the hub to a shop and asking them to press the race out. It's probably fine to reuse the old one if it's not visibly worn, but if you do decide to change it, the tapping method with a drift punch and the rental toolkits from AutoZone don't work.

[280EZRider]

I agree that the tapping method won't work - the incentive has to be a lot stronger than just a tap - but a ball-peen hammar and drift punch placed carefully on the race surface will remove it. The trick is to be able to see inside the hub area because there is very exposed surface of the race. Be sure to move around the race while pounding to avoid getting it stuck at an angle.

Races generally do not go bad. If there is no blueing from overheating, then it's most likely OK. Also be sure to avoid adding too much grease - this can cause overheating the same as not having enough grease.

[Jub]

Awesome! thanks guys.

[Jub]

Imagine that, a how to on this forum:

Pelican Mercedes-Benz Tech Article - How to Replace Mercedes Benz Front Wheel Bearings - 190E, W124, W126, W201, W123

FYI: anyone know where I can find those radio interference do-hickies that fit inside the cap?