Front Wheel Bearing
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 141
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2002 E430 (totaled at 230k miles), 2002 E55 AMG, 2001 CLK430--SOLD, 1997 C230
Front Wheel Bearing
I heard a banging, rattle sound on driver side when driving over rough roads. I jacked up that side and my wheel has quite a bit of back and forth rocking. When I rock it, it definitely makes the noise I've been hearing. So I know the wheel bearing is bad or loose. Should I attempt to just tighten the nut a bit and see if it helps? IF I were to repair the bearing, I think it would be easier for me to just buy a new hub with the bearings already installed versus trying to hammer out the old ones. Seems that way is a pain in the butt...cheaper, yes. What do you think? Anyone ever had the issue and which route did you go?
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Joined: Jan 2018
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From: Edmonton Area
2007 CLK550 Coupe, 2003 CL600, 2012
Usually the bearings come loose and not installed in the hub, so you would have to drive them in anyway.
They are not too hard to change. Get a good punch and a cheap bearing driver from amazon and its not too bad. The recommended way is to use a dial indicator to set the end play to a couple of thou.
I've found that you can purchase the tools to do the job and still come out cheaper than taking it to a shop.
Dial indicator
Magnetic base
Bearing race driver (many sizes)
They are not too hard to change. Get a good punch and a cheap bearing driver from amazon and its not too bad. The recommended way is to use a dial indicator to set the end play to a couple of thou.
I've found that you can purchase the tools to do the job and still come out cheaper than taking it to a shop.
Dial indicator
Magnetic base
Bearing race driver (many sizes)
Last edited by Kelvin Bellrose; Jun 17, 2020 at 04:20 PM.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2014
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2002 E430 (totaled at 230k miles), 2002 E55 AMG, 2001 CLK430--SOLD, 1997 C230
Thanks Kelvin.....I am debating if I am up for the bearing removal/install. I watched some videos. It doesn't look to bad, but I am a bit apprehensive about damaging the hub trying to remove the races. I am aware of the dial gage technique....that would be a must if I change out the bearings. Either way I would avoid taking it to a shop....I'm sure it would be cheaper to buy the hubs versus going to the shop....and my time, labor and frustration would be less going this route.
I plan to spend some time under the car tomorrow to see what the actual noise might be. I'll report back and let you know what I find.
I plan to spend some time under the car tomorrow to see what the actual noise might be. I'll report back and let you know what I find.
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Joined: Mar 2014
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2002 E430 (totaled at 230k miles), 2002 E55 AMG, 2001 CLK430--SOLD, 1997 C230
OK, so I poked around today and noticed the clip that goes on the brake caliper is missing. It makes the pads loose and the caliper is a bit sloppy, everything else is tight from what I can tell. I wonder if anyone thinks the missing clip could be causing the problem? Either way I will replace the clip...it can't hurt. Thoughts?
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Joined: Jan 2010
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1997 E300D
If you jack it up by the jack points on the body and put your hands at 6 and 12 oclock, any play you feel while alternating pushing and pulling the wheel is likely bearing play. If you put your hands at 9 and 3 oclock the play could have tie rod end play added to any bearing play. If you jack under the lower control arm, the 6 and 12 oclock test can add ball joint play to any bearing play.
If you have significant bearing play I recommend first spinning the wheel to see if the bearing sounds smooth. Dragging break pads can make this hard to do, but loose bearings allow one to move the pads off the disk by kicking the front and rear of the tire. If the bearing sounds smooth, I would adjust the bearing using the dial indicator. One could make a good case for removing the hub from the spindle and checking the bearings visually. If they are good re-lube them and reinstall and adjust. Use plenty of grease and fill the dust cap 2/3 full to feed the outer bearing over time.
All this applies only to the front wheels of a rear wheel drive car.
If you have significant bearing play I recommend first spinning the wheel to see if the bearing sounds smooth. Dragging break pads can make this hard to do, but loose bearings allow one to move the pads off the disk by kicking the front and rear of the tire. If the bearing sounds smooth, I would adjust the bearing using the dial indicator. One could make a good case for removing the hub from the spindle and checking the bearings visually. If they are good re-lube them and reinstall and adjust. Use plenty of grease and fill the dust cap 2/3 full to feed the outer bearing over time.
All this applies only to the front wheels of a rear wheel drive car.
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Joined: Mar 2014
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2002 E430 (totaled at 230k miles), 2002 E55 AMG, 2001 CLK430--SOLD, 1997 C230
Great input, Nelbur. I have a bit of 6-12 rocking. Wheels spin smoothly. I may try to adjust the bearings with dial indicator. Do you have an opinion if the missing brake caliper clip would cause noise, especially if there is a little bearing-play? Tires are perfect and have never had any abnormal wear.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 301
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1997 E300D
I don't have an opinion on the clip. I would not expect a slightly loose bearing to make noise. I tend to run mine a bit loose intentionally and have never experienced noise of any kind from doing so. I have never run a bearing way loose so maybe it can make noise.
Roll bar linkage can rattle and clunk. Ball joints can clunk and squeak. Shocks can clunk if either end gets loose. I have repaired all of these on my vehicles in the past. Others with more experience may have other possibilities.
Roll bar linkage can rattle and clunk. Ball joints can clunk and squeak. Shocks can clunk if either end gets loose. I have repaired all of these on my vehicles in the past. Others with more experience may have other possibilities.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 141
Likes: 21
2002 E430 (totaled at 230k miles), 2002 E55 AMG, 2001 CLK430--SOLD, 1997 C230
I thought I would follow up. The anti-rattle clip/spring was missing on the side from the noise. Once I replaced it, 100% fixed, no more noise. The play in the wheels is the same on both sides and I have never had any tire wear issues. So, if you don't have the clips up front, you may be hearing odd noises. Thanks for all of your great replies...always like learning and hearing from other enthusiasts.
