The official M-B repair manual calls for using a dial gauge to set the end play of the wheel hub (part the wheel/tire are bolted to using the lug bolts). Most don't own a dial gauge so in the Haynes manual you'll find this procedure that I've used and modified a bit:

*pack both inner and outer bearings with high temp grease;
*install bearings using a new grease seal for inner bearing;
*install washer and lock nut;
*tighten lock nut while turning the hub until the hub is very hard to turn (Haynes says till hub won't turn, I found this was too tight because I own and used a dial gauge to check);
*back lock nut off (loosen) 1/3 turn (make sure it is 1/3 turn), loose is better than too tight (tight means the bearings will get too hot and fail - wheel comes off usually at the worst time; but, too loose causes the front end to have alignment problems and tire wear);
*strike the kingpin (shaft the bearing and hub mount to) a sharp blow with a hammer to release the tension on the bearing (I use a punch placed in the hole in the center of the kingpin and hit the punch instead of the kingpin);
*tighten the Allen head bolt in the lock nut;
*replace the dust cap.

If you do not own the Haynes manual - I suggest you buy a copy, lots of good info.

Good Luck!
Tom

__________________
America: Land of the Free!

1977 300D: 300,000+ miles

American Honda: Factory Trained Technician & Honor Grad.
Formerly:
Shop Foreman;
Technical Advisor to Am. Honda;
Supervisor of Maintenance largest tree care co. in US for offices in Tex.