W208 AMG Tear Down - Top To Bottom
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
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Joined: Jan 2010
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2001 CLK55 AMG
Do you know where I can get the MB Bearing grease online? Do you think Febi Bilstein grease will work as well?
http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numbe...1-35768f64548f
http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numbe...1-35768f64548f
Last edited by 400HP55; May 31, 2012 at 12:53 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
I imagine that it would be OK. It may be not the green colored MB one but who knows. Have you tried asking at your MB dealer how much the grease costs?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
So go for it and grease that hub. Use good quality grease only. I imagine most modern bearing greases should be fine.
Back in my racing days, we used a grease coming from the aerospace industry as it had less resistance. Can't remember the name now... as that was over 30 years ago
Back in my racing days, we used a grease coming from the aerospace industry as it had less resistance. Can't remember the name now... as that was over 30 years ago
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Bay Area
02 clk 55, 13 GL 450
Your not gonna find it for 5 bucks and book calls for 2 tubes. You only need 1 tube to complete both sides if you pack the bearings correctly. There is no need to fill the hub with grease. The green goo from over the counter is really worth the money and I wouldnt substitute.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
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2001 CLK55 AMG
Just got done. Came out nice. The SS Lines are a little shorter than the OEM by about 2 inches.
Pretty straight forward suspension system we got after you guys helped me learn how to work with it.
Next is trying to degrease all the build up oil and dirt on the underside and engine bay. Any suggestions? Has anyone tried a professional seam clean? Pros, cons?
Thanks again for all your help! I still need to pull apart the rest of the old engine. Maybe this weekend if I get a chance.
Pretty straight forward suspension system we got after you guys helped me learn how to work with it.
Next is trying to degrease all the build up oil and dirt on the underside and engine bay. Any suggestions? Has anyone tried a professional seam clean? Pros, cons?
Thanks again for all your help! I still need to pull apart the rest of the old engine. Maybe this weekend if I get a chance.
Last edited by 400HP55; Jun 8, 2012 at 09:26 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
I tried the ////AMG paint trick on the calipers of my 43 but decided not to after multiple tries I just couldn't get it looking right, so painted over same color as the caliper (silver). I used an exhaust paint which is good to 800°c
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Just got done. Came out nice. The SS Lines are a little shorter than the OEM by about 2 inches.
Pretty straight forward suspension system we got after you guys helped me learn how to work with it.
Next is trying to degrease all the build up oil and dirt on the underside and engine bay. Any suggestions? Has anyone tried a professional seam clean? Pros, cons?
Thanks again for all your help! I still need to pull apart the rest of the old engine. Maybe this weekend if I get a chance.
Pretty straight forward suspension system we got after you guys helped me learn how to work with it.
Next is trying to degrease all the build up oil and dirt on the underside and engine bay. Any suggestions? Has anyone tried a professional seam clean? Pros, cons?
Thanks again for all your help! I still need to pull apart the rest of the old engine. Maybe this weekend if I get a chance.
I have had mine painted for months with no issues what so ever. Even pressure washed them with no flaking or chipping. I used a paint made specifically for calipers as well as a clear coat made specifically for calipers. I used a high temp paint pen to color in the ///// AMG logo with pretty good results.
Nice calipers
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2001 CLK55 AMG
Hey guys. Just wanted to update this thread for those who are following it. I just got around to the other side I've been out of country fo a while. I forgot what a PITA it is to get these ball joint ha.
How does the rear suspension compare to the front suspension? Anyone got any expierence/pictures with the rear suspension? I want to do the rear next, but I know nothing about it, yet.
I didnt find a tool to measure the bearing nut. So I counted the threads and once I get the new parts I will just put the bolt on the same thread count. It should work
Thanks!
ProjectC55 - Please see my 400HP thread.
How does the rear suspension compare to the front suspension? Anyone got any expierence/pictures with the rear suspension? I want to do the rear next, but I know nothing about it, yet.
I didnt find a tool to measure the bearing nut. So I counted the threads and once I get the new parts I will just put the bolt on the same thread count. It should work
Thanks!
ProjectC55 - Please see my 400HP thread.
Last edited by 400HP55; Aug 15, 2012 at 09:36 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area
02 clk 55, 13 GL 450
Wait what???? You talking bout setting wheel bearing preload by counting exposed threads on the spindle with the old bearing?? If thats so you will more than likely have a bearing failure. There is a mic spec for this but just go to zero lash and back off about an 1/8th of an inch. Your shooting for a tiny amount of play with wheel installed. With taper bearings your better to error on the side of loose than tight. With no play you will burn the new bearings up in no time. Im ignoring the "bolt" part as I think you meant the spindle nut right?
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2001 CLK55 AMG
Yes setting the wheel bearing pre load. Yes the spindle nut. But how tight until I stop? Hand tight? Semi tight? And how do i determine how much play? And I have to have the wheel on to do this?
Yup, I F$%^& it up lol.
Yup, I F$%^& it up lol.
Last edited by 400HP55; Aug 21, 2012 at 10:35 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area
02 clk 55, 13 GL 450
Ok... spin the nut down by hand till contact on the washer. Then with a pair of channel locks, spin the rotor by hand while tightening and loosening the spindle nut with the channel locks. Your going for snug on the tightening and just off snug on the loosening. Your setting the bearings in there taper by doing this. Do this 5 or 6 times to make sure everything is settled and end with a snug not "breaker bar tight!". Now back the nut off about an 1/8" and tighten the locking bolt. If you have done this right, after you reinstall the wheel, you should be able to grab the tire at 12 and 6 and have a very slight rocking movement back and forth. If it feels loose or no play at all, pull the wheel back off and adjust accordingly. Loose has some forgivness but tight will burn up quick!!
Make sure you pack the bearings correctly and no need to fill the hub with grease. You only need pack the hubs in marine application.
Make sure you pack the bearings correctly and no need to fill the hub with grease. You only need pack the hubs in marine application.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2010
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2001 CLK55 AMG
Ok guys here is my update on my project. Its coming out really clean. Heres some pics. Enjoy and thanks for the help! Next step is a new paint job and finish degreasing the entire vehicle.
If you look at the picture of when I first took off my front bumper for the first time it was really dirty. Then I degreased it and here the after picture.
Its getting back to showroom quality slowly but surely!
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0e06aaf1.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...psa53a0188.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...psde4792d9.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...psb8c77f7f.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6b82fa4a.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...psccad9d88.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...ps99c95d99.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...pscf30872c.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8d4fd67a.jpg
If you look at the picture of when I first took off my front bumper for the first time it was really dirty. Then I degreased it and here the after picture.
Its getting back to showroom quality slowly but surely!
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0e06aaf1.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...psa53a0188.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...psde4792d9.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...psb8c77f7f.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6b82fa4a.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...psccad9d88.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...ps99c95d99.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...pscf30872c.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8d4fd67a.jpg
Last edited by 400HP55; Oct 12, 2012 at 09:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
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2001 CLK55 AMG
Heres the list as it stands so far of what I have done....
Engine Swap, Wiring Harness, Transmission Bolts, Trans Seals, New EGR System, Throttle Body Replaced,Throttle Position Sensor, New Wipers, New A/C Compressor, New Valve Cover Gasket (Left/Right), Valve Breather Gaskets (Left/Right), Transmission Service & Filter and Plug Change, Differential Fluid Change, Brake Fluid Flush, Cabin Filter, W209 Air Filters, Collant System flush, New Thermostat, New Serp Belt, New Idler Pulley, New Spark Plugs, New Spark Plug Wires, New Coil Packs, Fuel Filter Changed, W209 Motor mount, Trans Mount, Exhaust Rubber Hangers, Crank/Camshaft Sensors, Power Steering Flush, Drag Link Refurbished, Front Lower Control Arm Poly Bushing, Front Wheel Bearings (inner and outter), Tie Rods, Upper Ball Joint, Upper Control Arm, Lower Ball Joint, New Tires (Nitrogen Filled), Refurbished Dents in Rims, New MAF, New Brake Switch, New Front Window, Repainted Suspension/Calipers, AMG pedals, Floor mats, Polished head lights to new, New light bulbs in the entire car, New Pillar, Stop Tech Stainless Stell Lines Front, New Steering Damper, Alignment, New intake manifold gasket, new grounding wires, detailed engine bay under and top, cleaned electrical system, cleaned wires, pulled carpets and cleaned under, detailed wheel wells, shampoo seat stitches, and some more stuff I forgot... Oh ya and threw my back out
Yup its almost there 
Engine Swap, Wiring Harness, Transmission Bolts, Trans Seals, New EGR System, Throttle Body Replaced,Throttle Position Sensor, New Wipers, New A/C Compressor, New Valve Cover Gasket (Left/Right), Valve Breather Gaskets (Left/Right), Transmission Service & Filter and Plug Change, Differential Fluid Change, Brake Fluid Flush, Cabin Filter, W209 Air Filters, Collant System flush, New Thermostat, New Serp Belt, New Idler Pulley, New Spark Plugs, New Spark Plug Wires, New Coil Packs, Fuel Filter Changed, W209 Motor mount, Trans Mount, Exhaust Rubber Hangers, Crank/Camshaft Sensors, Power Steering Flush, Drag Link Refurbished, Front Lower Control Arm Poly Bushing, Front Wheel Bearings (inner and outter), Tie Rods, Upper Ball Joint, Upper Control Arm, Lower Ball Joint, New Tires (Nitrogen Filled), Refurbished Dents in Rims, New MAF, New Brake Switch, New Front Window, Repainted Suspension/Calipers, AMG pedals, Floor mats, Polished head lights to new, New light bulbs in the entire car, New Pillar, Stop Tech Stainless Stell Lines Front, New Steering Damper, Alignment, New intake manifold gasket, new grounding wires, detailed engine bay under and top, cleaned electrical system, cleaned wires, pulled carpets and cleaned under, detailed wheel wells, shampoo seat stitches, and some more stuff I forgot... Oh ya and threw my back out
Yup its almost there
Last edited by 400HP55; Oct 12, 2012 at 09:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
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2001 CLK55 AMG
Here's the break down of the list noted above. I got over 9k into this beat ouch. Over 16k in receipts from service and parts holy crap!
What do you guys think I should ask for this car if I was to sell it?
What do you guys think I should ask for this car if I was to sell it?
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 71
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From: St. Paul, MN
2010 E550, 02 CLK55 Cabrio - sold
OMG, doing all that would take me 2 years at my snail's pace. Congrats on taking this on with such gusto . At what mileage should I sell my car, right before it needs all those new parts?
. At what mileage should I sell my car, right before it needs all those new parts?
