Wheel Bearing Question

[poormans500E]

I tracked down the clunking I was hearing in the front end of my '94 E420. It turned out to be a bad wheel bearing on the front passenger side wheel. Yesterday I replaced the races and bearings using the DIY from Peach Parts. I noticed one thing differed from what I found upon disassembling the bearing on my car.

The picture here shows a thrust washer behind the locking nut. When I disassembled mine there was no thrust washer behind the locking nut. I looked the axle assembly on EPC and the diagram doesn't show or list a thrust washer.

Should there be one? If so, where can I acquire one as EPC shows no part number or listing?

 

[7delta]

You may find one at a local "pull a part". Or you could try the discount/online sources.

 

[gsxr]

There is no washer. It was deleted mid-production as a cost saving item. Don't worry about it. Main thing is to use the correct amount of grease per FSM spec (not "winging it", as many DIY writeups say is ok) and alway, always use a dial gauge to measure the wheel bearing end play. I don't care what anyone says, you cannot feel 0.01mm by hand.

 

[poormans500E]

thank you, Dave! I'm spot on with the weight of the greased bearings and will recheck the play tomorrow.

 

[7delta]

There is no washer. It was deleted mid-production as a cost saving item.

Roughly when did they delete it? Not at all doubting , just wondering for personal knowledge. [emoji6]

 

[gsxr]

Early 1990's, I believe. Should be something buried in the FSM with a more exact date. The EPC doesn't even show the washer for the 124.034/.036 models.

 

[7delta]

Is it just 034/036 specific? I have two 92 .128. Both have. Maybe it's post 92.

 

[gsxr]

Is it just 034/036 specific? I have two 92 .128. Both have. Maybe it's post 92.

It MAY be specific to the 034/036, which use the R129 knuckle/hub. AFAIK, none of the 034/036 have the washer. I wish they did, as the clamping bolt sits too far inward to get clean access with an Allen wrench. I found a part number for the washer somewhere but it's NLA.

I'm not sure if the washer was also deleted on the late 4/5/6-cylinder cars, I can't remember if my late-build '93 .128 had the washer or not.

 

[7delta]

Ahh that's right. The 129 knuckles are a bit bigger. I think the washers are a good idea. Acess for allen wrench being one reason. The other being I'm not totally sold on the locking bolt/ nut setting up against the ID race of the bearing. JMO[emoji6]

 

[samiam44]

standard allen wrench just clears the hub. You can cut down the short side a bit to make it easier.

M

 

[sheward]

I believe my early 92 has the washers.

drew