From: Dave Warren <pilotdave64@gmail.com>
To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 5:57 PM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] Wheel bearings going bad already??
I replaced my front wheel bearings and races on my '80 240D last year. Here it is a year and 10K miles later and it sounds like they're starting to go again! So... I'm wondering what I did wrong. When I replaced them, I used bearing kits from GermanAutoParts.com. I used this grease called "Waterproof Green Grease" which seemed pretty awesome based on the label. I followed the steps in the Haynes manual in adjusting - tighten until the wheel doesn't move then back off a 1/3 of a turn on the nut.
So, either the bearings/races were defective or perhaps I didn't adjust the play correctly? I can't believe even some 'incorrect' grease wouldn't last longer than a year! I looked in my recently acquired WIS and it recommends 2mm play using a dial gauge. This seems like more than what I got using the Haynes method so I'm thinking I may have had them too tight. A dial gauge may be in my future.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Any recommendations on a decent dial gauge?
Thanks!
Dave