Exevious

Hello all!!

Just stumbled upon these forums! Great information!!

Figured I would say hello, and post a pic of the beloved.

Bought the car 2 years ago with about 73K miles.

Have my first issue.. front passenger wheel bearing.
Took it in for plugs/wires/oil change a few months ago @85K miles..
While they had it on the lift the guys noticed the 'play' in the wheel.

it hasnt been making any noise, but I had noticed some vibration that I just chaulked up to needing wheel rebalance..

They have quoted $580 USD to repair.

I'm no dummy in the garage.. although this is my first german experience.
I'm guessing that suspension shouldnt hold any secret magic, and it souldnt be too far off from replacing a wheel bearing in any other car.

knowing that 120-150 for the part... and a sunday in the garage.. in todays times.. im up for the savings!!

I normally commute via motorcycle, so I have neglected to repair this all summer... now the weather is changing.. cold is fine, but I hate two wheels in the rain!!

I figured I would stop in and consult with the experts for some advice!

Anyone in north texas able to lend a hand??
I am happy to supply beer and burgers!

Between the off road adventure tourer, and my custom cruiser... I really dont have time for another project. Im hoping to knock this out on a sunday afternoon.

Thanks in advance for any info!!

Here is the best part of the post:





This is the offending wheel



Some of the other toys:

HOWSER

Welcome aboard man.

That's a great looking ride you have there.

Eric

Air Marshall Eldritch

I like it too (wonder why?).

Exevious

is that a question for me??

Air Marshall Eldritch

Sorry, no, I have a white E430 Sport, so it looks damn close like your car. Although I was oggling your white door handles. Looks nice, imo. Did they come that way in '01?

I wish I could answer your question, but I'm a little tired right now. Ohlord should be along in a few hours to help, once he sleeps off his Jim Beam binge.

Exevious

Nice!


I thought maybe you were the first owner or something!

I know the car was originally a 3 year lease..
I got it from the 2nd owner.. my last boss.
He had the pin stripping and badging removed, added the wheels..
Im not sure about the handles.. those may have been changed when it was debadged and destripped.

Im glad you mentioned the handles!
I know this car stands way out from the typical E-class...
I knew it was more than the wheels and destrip.. but could never put my finger on it...

It is those handles!!

Hirnbeiss

Front wheel bearings are amazingly similar to doing the wheel bearings on a 1970 Buick, so don't be intimidated.
Things to be know:
1. Grease cap can defeat even the savviest at times. Use patience, tools (eg channel locks) (maybe some light heat), and have a spare cap available.
2. Some analists insist on weighing out 50 g of grease - just make sure you use enough.
3. There is a spec on axial preload that requires a magnetic dial guage. If you use the reliable VW method, it will get you close enough: tighten axle nut just until you can't move the washer around by pushing with a screwdriver, then back off until it just moves around.
4. Don't lose the radio interference spring clip that sticks in the spindle
5. Don't forget to remove the 5mm hexscrew before whacking the rotor.

ohlord

drink whiskey
$50 both sides
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...0Bearing%20Kit
at 85k miles you did not need plugs and at only $2.89 for ngk7090 platinums how much did they hit you for?And you most definetely did not need wires,they last forever if not abused on the m112 and m113 engines.So if they were that far off replacing things that needn't be done Check that it is not the ball joints that are showing play.
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/
one day subscription for factory WIS
or alldatadiy.com 20 bucks year subscription
factory dvd mbusa.com
tie rod and lower ball joint I might have a diy someplace round here.

I hope they at least put the correct mb spec. engine oil in
time to change your transmission fluid and filter.mb spec only.diy on benzworld.org w210 diy section
I thought all the 01's came with color matched handles

Exevious

I took it to a euro specialty guy..
Robert Krauss in Lewisville texas.

He is pretty straight with the info.

I was getting a horrible idle.. and I did plugs myself.
Someone had already replaced with the wrong plugs.

Looking at the plug wires... I also assumed them to last forever.

I think I paid 2.89 each for plugs. quoted 5.99 by shop!!

Did not fix issue.



I'm in the car bizz myself.. so personal time is a minimum.
Plus, I also wanted a complete check-up from an expert.....
since wires and plugs should not need changed so early and I had found the wrong plugs in the car.

Had Robert do a full check out... thinking i was about to encounter some huge experience points (read: Fear the MB was about to cost me major dollars!!)

Put the car of oscilloscope (sp).. and found issues with wires.

He spent two days going over the car, I wanted the complete report.. no matter how dirty.

He reported 3 bad plug wires
the bad wheel bearing
and I am missing the cover for the anntena on the roof. (I had thought it looked alittle odd up there)


Turns out 3 of the wires were in fact shorting, with time to a minimum, and having a good month with sales...

I just left it to him to replace the wires, change the oil, since I figured I owed him for his trouble shooting time, the check up, and his willingness to share info with me... allowing me to do it myself if so inclined.

Car is now running great...

Still need to change the bearing... and find me an antenna cover.

Exevious

Good point on the ball joints... I will need to dig deeper to check that out.

Are you saying its time for me to do tranny oil change?
Can you send a link for the DIY info?

You prob right on the handles.. I might not be seeing 2001's.

Exevious

Thanks man!

I see a vette listed in your sig...

I sold my 99 SS this past spring. I hated to see it go... but 128K miles and too many toys in the garage. it drew the short straw....

ohlord

diy on benzworld.org w210 section diy area.
722.6 fluid and filter diy same place and on mercedesshop.com resource section diy articles,I have the special dipstick $42 delivered with the magnet if you diy.At 100k miles you will also be looking at O2 sensors,universal oe bosch will do if you are good with wire splicing.

fosmith

This one has them
http://kenrockwell.com/mercedes/e430/
Fred