The FSM says 2 mm (0.08") end play. Is that correct? 2 mm seems like a lot.

Do you set the dial indicator to 2 mm, install it on the hub/ spindle shaft end, and yank on the hub to get a zero reading?

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

See attachment, .01-.02 mm.

I set the indicator past at least one mm.

Attached Files

bearing, front, outer 33-300.pdf (563.0 KB, 297 views)

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83 SD

84 CD

OK, I mis-read the FSM and missed the 0.01-0.02 end play on the top of the page. So you set the dial indicator to 2 mm pre load and yank on the hub to get a 0.01-0.02 mm reading. How hard do you have to yank?

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Are you certain those end play numbers are in mm?

No units are provided in the FSM! WTF?

0.01 mm is 0.00039 inch

I don't think my dial indicator can measure down to that kind of accuracy.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

[QUOTE=funola;2980831]Are you certain those end play numbers are in mm?

No units are provided in the FSM! WTF?

0.01 mm is 0.00039 inch


If you plan to use and Inch type Indicator you need to get one that reads in 10thousants of an inch or get a Metric one or just estimate the best you can.
If you have the Manual just follow the whole procedure; it works.

Despite adjusting all the Wheel Bearings of all of the Vehicles I have owned and some at work by Hand when I did that to the Mercedes I over heated the Grease in my Front Hubs the first time I did it.
I have used the Dial Indicator several times with no issues; strated off with an Inch type and later bought a mm one.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I agree, it's frustrating, no designation, but being a German FSM, one can assume (I know, I know) it's in mm.

I have replaced both front wheel bearings on both cars, no problems with .01-.02 mm play.

Pull on it hard enough to move it, if you can't, it's too tight.

Central Tools > Dial Indicators - Magnetic Mount

^That's the one I have.

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83 SD

84 CD

Call it 2/3 of an increment on a .001 indicator and be happy.

Good news! My dial indicator measures down to 0.0001" (0.0025 mm)

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

where can i buy one of these? How much are they? Im debating which special tool I should buy and this seems like a good investment. Although Ive always done it buy hand and my bearings have 100k on them and still silent.

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

did mine via dial indicator two years ago, big hassle! One week ago, I had a noisy bearing, pulled bearing set, replaced, packed, seal, etc and did it the way my indie (a MB mechanic) advised and all was well - personally, I do not think I will use the dial indicator in the future - my two cents

If you get the Metric Dial Indicator besides the Front Wheels you can do the Rears and if you are in the mood the 2mm Method to check your Timing Chain Stretch.

I am a Tool Junkie but there is very few Tools that I have purchased that have been a waste of money; I would say the opposite is true.

In the long run the Tools have saved Me Money and improved My chances of not messing the job/doint it right the first time and saves Me frustration and time well as Money.
My Wife somtimes spends $75 to have Her Hair done; so I spend $16 and get a Metric Dial Indicator; which one of use wasted their Money?

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Ha, problem solved!

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Click on my link above.

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83 SD

84 CD

That depends on how good your wife looks?

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You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime you just might find you get what you need.

Do you know if you made it too loose or too tight with the dial indicator method?
What method did your mb mechanic advised?

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked