Finishing The Wheel Hub Replacement on my 1995 C280

The wheel hub finally arrived. It was quick once it shipped, but took a while to be sent out.

The Problem

Imagine this: You reverse out of parking spot and come to a stop. You put the car into drive and move forward to the exit of the parking lot. When you come to a stop, almost as soon as you press the brake, you hear a clunk from the front suspension.

That is what was happening to me. I lifted the front of the car, grabbed the wheel at the 12 and 6 position and moved it back and forth. I could hear it making a noise and physically feel the wheel moving.

Diagnosis: Bad wheel bearing

The Solution

I removed the wheel, brake caliper and rotor, and tapped out the cap over the wheel bearing. As soon I removed the clamping nut, the front bearing fell out. I probably could have just re-tightened it, since there is a procedure for a wheel bearing adjustment, but I figured it'd be best to replace it. Also, since I'm sort of restoring the car, I decided to replace the entire hub assembly with the bearings installed and grease already applied.

Part Number: 202 330 00 25

The initial part I ordered through FCP Euro was the wrong one, and would not allow me to secure the caliper mounting bracket without it hitting the brake rotor. Luckily, I was able to get a refund and they also updated the part listing to ensure others don't make the same mistake.

Important Note

I unfortunately do not have a better photo of this at the moment, however, ensure this clamping nut is tightly secured, and if you have the proper tools, ensure there's roughly 0.01mm to 0.02mm of play in the bearing. According to ALLDATA, this is accomplished with a dial gauge.

Instructions

1. Mount dial indicator with dial indicator holder to the brake disk
2. Adjust wheel bearing play by turning the clamping nut in stages while pushing and pulling the brake disk firmly back and forth
   1. Do not twist or tilt the wheel hub during this
   2. Incorrect measurement will result in wheel bearing play and could result in wheel bearing damage

Finished Product

I'm not sure why my brand new rotor is already rusted, especially when it was supposed to have an anti-rust coating on it, but either way, the noise is gone. I did end up having to readjust the clamping nut as I must not have secured it properly the first time. After driving it back and forth to work, the noise came back. Hopefully this time it's secured for good.