Like I mentioned my 1942 Jeep had lots of free spin. The Jeep didn't use crown nuts to preload the bearings, but a jam nuts. Once the hub, drum, and bearings were on the spindle, the order of assembly was:

1. a retainer washer (which tooth in it to keep it from spinning)
2. a nut
3. a thin lock washer
4. a jam nut

After tightening the jam nut, the lock washer gets bent so the jam nut doesn't turn.

The Jeep doesn't used a castle nut and neither does a Mercedes. I'm expecting a lot free spin out of those front tires. Has observed the free spin on their tires? You can get bad gas mileage if your wheels don't spin freely, whether the problem is brakes or bearings.

Probably depends mostly upon how tight the bearing is, if it is damaged or not, and what grease is in there.

If they were repaced with the old "string" grease, they will be stiff when cold.

I'd use a nice synthetic wheel bearing grease -- less rolling resistance.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!