How To Fix Worn Mercedes-Benz Wheel Bearings

Mercedes-Benz wheel bearings are among the most important and stressed parts of the vehicle. Besides allowing wheels to turn easily, they also absorb high radial and axial forces. The use of directional microphones or ultrasound can be used in a shop to find bad wheel hub bearings.

You can detect it by listening carefully while driving. The grinding noise is an indicator of bad bearing. Lift the car safely and remove the tire and wheel. Next, rock the hub with your hands on top and bottom. You may have a bad bearing if there is any back and forth. Read on to know how to fix worn Mercedes-Benz wheel bearings.

Symptoms of Worn Mercedes-Benz Wheel Bearings

  • Despite keeping the steering straight, the car pulls left or right.
  • A certain speed causes the steering wheel to vibrate.
  • Braking causes the steering wheel to turn to either side.
  • There is a squeaking sound coming from the wheel.
  • Unsteadiness of the wheel.

Here’s how you can fix worn Mercedes-Benz wheel bearings:

Bearing Replacement

Modern vehicles use either bolt-in or pressed-in bearings, which are easy to replace. It is possible to replace this component yourself with the right tools:

  • Make sure your car is parked on a flat surface and secure the wheels you aren’t working on with wheel chocks.
  • Use the wheel jack to lift the wheel after loosening the lug nuts.
  • Take off the wheel by removing the lug nuts.
  • Using a socket wrench, remove the brake caliper.
  • Remove the dust cover, cotter pin, and castle nut. Dust covers are small plastic or metal caps that protect the rotor’s components and can usually be removed with calipers. With pliers, remove the castle nut and cotter pin beneath the dust cover.
  • Take off the rotor. Remove the outer bearing first, then the rotor. Use a rubber mallet if it gets stuck.
  • Remove the old hub by unscrewing the hub bolts. Behind the hub is the wheel bearing.
  • The hub assembly should be disassembled. To access the bearings, you must disassemble the hub.
  • Remove the races and clean the knuckles. The races are usually broken with a hammer and chisel or a grinder. Once the races have been removed, clean the knuckle inside the bearing assembly. Grease will probably be everywhere – have rags handy!
  • Replace the wheel bearings and races. Install the new inner assembly by greasing it and tapping the races into place with a hammer. Make sure the bearings are properly aligned and pushed in as far as they can go with plenty of grease.
  • Finally, reinstall everything in reverse order and lower the vehicle.
  • You should pay close attention to the type of grease used, the packing itself, and the bearing alignment in the hub.

Conclusion

It is dangerous to drive your Mercedes-Benz car with a defective wheel bearing, so you should act as soon as possible to ensure your safety.