Front wheel bearings and alignment - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kelley312c · #1 03-06-2016, 01:41 PM

Hello all,

First thanks to everyone for the help with my power steering situation! I was able to replace the following parts of the steering system with help from this forum and the fsm...

Power steering gear box
Inner and outer tie rod ends
Center link
Steering damper
Lower control arm assembly (my indie is doing this since since he quoted my at $520 for parts and labor, score!)

Naturally, I need an alignment and am getting one this week. However, my front wheel bearings have slight play and need to be replaced. They aren't too far gone as I do not hear any howling while driving, but they do need to be changed.

I am planning on changing the wheel bearings in two weeks when I have more time, since I just put a TON of time replacing the above parts. My question is, "should I wait until I put the wheel bearing in my car (3 weeks) before I get my alignment? Do wheel bearings, especially ones that aren't that far gone, essential for alignment? Thanks for all of your help!

mannys9130 · #2 03-06-2016, 03:37 PM

Well, you have to answer a few questions first:

Is this your DD? If it is, your alignment is definitely out of whack right now and 3 weeks of driving will cause abnormal tire wear.

Are you getting the alignment at a dealer? Will you have a warranty? Some shops will give you a warranty and will align the car for free within the warranty period.

The wheel bearings can definitely cause an inability to align. My suggestion is, if it's not your DD don't drive it. Install the bearings and then take it to a dealer or your Indie for an alignment. If it is your DD, I'd get it aligned and then install your bearings when you have time. Then have it aligned again. That's not the best scenario, but driving for 3 weeks with out of spec steering will cause tire issues and could cost you a pair of slicks.

ROLLGUY · #3 03-06-2016, 04:18 PM

I suggest tightening up the wheel bearing lock nut if the bearings have play. There is no need to get a second alignment if the bearings can be tightened before getting the first alignment.

mannys9130 · #4 03-06-2016, 05:23 PM

You could tighten them up a bit, but a dial indicator is needed to set the tolerance properly. You can't do it by feel, it's impossible. If you get it too tight and cause damage to the knuckle, it'll be worse than having to align the car twice.

BillGrissom · #5 03-06-2016, 09:55 PM

I have done it "by feel", with no problem. My W123's use the standard tapered wheel bearings like most cars. Indeed, the same PN as many cars (SET3 & SET5, I recall and know one is used in GM trucks), so why must adjustment be M-B finicky? Main thing is not to over-tighten them or they will swell from heat and seize in a few miles, sometimes welding the inner race to the spindle.

mannys9130 · #6 03-06-2016, 10:24 PM

The tolerances are just too small to be achieved accurately by feel. A dial indicator is required if you want to do the job right. If you just want to rough it and hope for the best, that's one thing. Welding will ruin the knuckle and cause much more grief.

If the OP is planning on replacing the bearings, he should have a dial indicator for when he's adjusting the new ones. If so, it's worth a shot to try and tighten the old ones back to spec. Just don't go too tight because looser is better.