Rear hub replacement on 300E - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Thom Pintello · #1 12-13-2006, 03:08 PM

I've searched the archives for this but I seem to be missing it. I have a bad rear bearing and hub on my 1986 300E. I replaced the bearing on this hub four years ago with the caveat that it might need replacing soon yet again. Why? Because the hub showed signs that the bearing had spinned and worn down part of the hub where it's press-fitted. My solution was to get a complete hub with bearing already installed and go from there. Anyone have on online tutorial in replacing the hub? Many thanks.

manny · #2 12-13-2006, 04:59 PM

Don't have a tutorial for you, but if this is the part you're replacing:
http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/K404596514OES.JPG
you are VERY brave.

Thom Pintello · #3 12-13-2006, 05:05 PM

It is indeed. And I'm not really brave, merely clueless.

mbdoc · #4 12-13-2006, 05:23 PM

To start with, when the wheel flange is pressed out of the hub assembly it WILL ruin the wheel bearing. So complete removal of the hub & then a trip to a GOOD machine shop to press out the flange & the bearing & then supporting the new bearing to install the wheel flange.

punkinfair · #5 12-14-2006, 01:18 PM

with no doubt mbdoc will know a lot more about this than myself, but i can come at it from a different angle perhaps. despite what everyone says to the contrary, it IS possible to DIY rear bearings on a 124. it isn't easy but it isn't mandatory to have all the MB tools either. you DO need a well equipped workshop however.

i just did this job on our 87 300tdt, re and re rear bearings and all suspension links. it was a big job with several potential places where you can get into trouble, but still do-able. the results and huge cost savings were worth it for me. i get the parts at wholesale so i am sure i saved at least 1000.00 by going DIY. it took me about 12 hours to do both sides, with a helper who is an mb technician.

because this is such an invloved job it might be easier if you ask specific questions rather than me posting a step-by-step, which would be pretty tedious for a hunt and peck typist like myself. i have not seen any step-by-steps here, only lots of threads saying it isn't a job to be tackled by a DIY person. i do have a decent workshop, so i am not exactly a backyard mechanic, but honestly i am closer to shadetree than pro technician. i think any big job like this is about preparation and thorough mapping of all the steps before you start lifting a wrench. if you look at the MB service manual it will no doubt refer to lots of special tools for this job, which makes it difficult for the DIYer to make the leap.

Thom Pintello · #6 12-14-2006, 03:15 PM

Thanks very much punkinfair. I guess I didn't make clear that I have a used hub, spindle and bearing from an existing vehicle which will be transplanted (I'm midway through). It's just a matter of getting these big bolts loosened but at least I don't have to press-fit bearings into a hub. I may have some follow-up questions however when I get around to transplanting the emergency brake apparatus into the new (used) hub. If it's OK I'll communicate with you privately. Thanks very much.