Rear wheel bearing?

[J. M. van Swaay]

1994 E500
112,000 miles

Noise coming from rear end. Noise can best be described as a combination of a whine and a growl. Noise started several months ago and has been getting worse over time. Noise most prevalent at highway speeds, seems to get slightly louder at higher speeds. Noise is not affected by loading/unloading the drive train. Noise stops abruptly when cornering hard to the right and resumes immediately when cornering stops. Noise always present when cornering left. I suspect a bad right rear wheel bearing but would like a second opinion before I change the bearing.

Anything else I should consider?

Thanks,

J. M. van Swaay

 

[gsxr]

Sure sounds like a rear wheel bearing. After you remove the axle shaft, you may be able to feel the bearing roughness when turning by hand, before you start the destructive removal process.

There are a couple of threads on this procedure, make sure you have all the tools if attempting DIY. If the hub won't come out with a slide hammer, you'll need to use the B90-M, or get creative as shown in one of the YouTube videos.

 

[J. M. van Swaay]

I did this job on our E320 wagon several years ago, DIYable, but I think this time I’ll just pay to have it done. Talked to a local shop, they said they would do the work for $100 times book hours if I supply the bearing kit. Sounds fair to me. Anybody know what book hours are for this job? Also, I have a part number of 129-980-04-16 for the bearing kit. Does that sound right for a 94 E500?

Thanks,

J. M. Van Swaay

 

[Hakie]

That partnumber is correct. I am busy with the complete (400E) subframe at the moment. Doing the bearings with help of a friend, who done it before.

 

[J. M. van Swaay]

Is the FAG bearing acceptable quality? I ordered the part without doing much checking..... Bearing is stamped “made in Slovakia”......

Thanks.

J. M. van Swaay

 

[Klink]

Is the FAG bearing acceptable quality? I ordered the part without doing much checking..... Bearing is stamped “made in Slovakia”......

Thanks.

J. M. van Swaay

That's an OEM part. Good stuff.

 

[samiam44]

Fag is good. Note mb part has an improved seal design. Warning, I did one side.. then when it was quiet I could hear the other. 3-4hr job, if it's not rusted.

 

[J. M. van Swaay]

Update:

Right rear bearing replaced, noise is gone. Shop originally provided 2 hour labor estimate @ $100/hr which I thought was a bit low. Shop owner said everything was a rusty mess and that it took a bit longer, however, he only billed for the estimated 2 hours. I paid an extra hour because it’s the right thing to do.... Total cost was $58 for FAG bearing kit plus $300 labor to install. Happy I didn’t have to do it!