Mercedes-Benz W202 wheel bearings – play, greasing and replacement
When is a W202 front wheel bearing worn and how is the play adjusted?
No play should be felt in the bearing in the vertical direction. In the horizontal direction a small amount of play may be felt when cold. The front axle bearing play is 0.01-0.02 mm. Adjustment is done by tightening the lock nut in stages. A worn bearing should not be tightened but replaced.
How do I grease the W202 front wheel bearings?
The outer bearing can be cleaned and greased without removing the hub; greasing the inner one requires removing the hub. Use ordinary bearing grease. Too much grease squeezes out and can contaminate the ABS sensors.
How are the W202 front wheel bearings replaced?
The outer races come out of the hub with a drift and the inner races with a punch and a hammer. The new bearings are driven in using the old outer races, and a press is not needed. Check that the seals seat properly and check the bearing play. The brakes are safety-critical, so have a workshop check the result.
How is the W202 rear wheel bearing replaced?
The bearing is pressed into its housing, so the hub is removed with a slide hammer puller and an M24 threaded rod. The new bearing is driven in evenly by the outer ring, the circlip is fitted immediately and the hub is pressed on with the threaded rod. The large drive shaft nut is tightened to 170 Nm. Have a workshop check the result.