Mercedes-Benz W124 wheel bearings: noise, play and replacement
Mercedes-Benz W124 wheel bearing makes noise – does it need replacing?
A noisy bearing should be replaced. The noise comes from a damaged bearing, not merely from play. A bearing can crumble from the inside without any warning noise, so if there is no record of replacement, replace the bearings on both sides at the same time.
How do you adjust the front wheel bearing play on a Mercedes-Benz W124?
The bearing is not tightened snug but left with about 0.01–0.02 mm of end play. The correct adjustment is recognised by the triangular washer under the adjusting screw turning with a slight drag when moved with a finger. A bearing that is too tight overheats.
How do you replace the rear wheel bearing on a Mercedes-Benz W124?
The driveshaft and brake components are removed, the hub is pulled off and the bearing is replaced in a press; the hub can also go to the press as a whole. The driveshaft nut is opened with a 30 mm long 12-point socket, and a tight nut may need a torque bar about a metre long. If the brake backing plate is rusty, replace it at the same time. Do not hammer the bearing into place with a sledgehammer, as it shortens its life. The wheel bearing is safety-critical, so have a workshop check the work.
Does a sedan rear bearing fit an estate or vice versa?
No. The estate bearing dimensions are width 43 mm, inner diameter 49 mm and outer diameter 84 mm. The sedan bearing dimensions are 39 mm, 45 mm and 84 mm. Check the correct bearing according to the body type of the car.