LostKiwi
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2006
- Messages
- 31,357
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- Location
- Midlands / Charente-Maritime
- Your Mercedes
- '93 500SL-32, '01 W210 Estate E240 (RIP), 02 R230 SL500, 04 Smart Roadster Coupe, 11 R350CDi
There is guidance in the MOT testers notes relating to taper roller bearings (which MB are) that state that some movement is desirable to allow for heat in the bearing. Non taper bearings should have no movement at all.
To adjust remove the wheel and prise off the dust cap. It can be difficult to remove. Try not to damage it so you can reuse it.
Under the cap is a split nut with a pinch bolt. Using a 5mm (from memory) ball head Allen key loosen the bolt and by hand tighten the nut. Spin the hub several times. It should spin freely. Continue tightening until the hub is not spinning freely then wind the nut back 60 degrees. Check the hub now spins freely and if so refit the wheel with 2 bolts. Check for movement in the 12 6 plane. There should be just the slightest movement. Remove the wheel, check the clamp bolt is tight, refit the dust cap and wheel. Recheck adjustment and if all good job done .
It's important not to set the bearing too tight - they are better too loose than too tight (you'd think the numpty doing the check would know this - unless he does and is using it as a money spinner).
To adjust remove the wheel and prise off the dust cap. It can be difficult to remove. Try not to damage it so you can reuse it.
Under the cap is a split nut with a pinch bolt. Using a 5mm (from memory) ball head Allen key loosen the bolt and by hand tighten the nut. Spin the hub several times. It should spin freely. Continue tightening until the hub is not spinning freely then wind the nut back 60 degrees. Check the hub now spins freely and if so refit the wheel with 2 bolts. Check for movement in the 12 6 plane. There should be just the slightest movement. Remove the wheel, check the clamp bolt is tight, refit the dust cap and wheel. Recheck adjustment and if all good job done .
It's important not to set the bearing too tight - they are better too loose than too tight (you'd think the numpty doing the check would know this - unless he does and is using it as a money spinner).