Axle Shaft, Bearings & Seal

Fig. 17 Outer Bearing Removal From Axle Shaft:

DISASSEMBLY

1. Using bearing removal tool No. MB990560 or equivalent, remove outer bearing and dust cover from axle shaft.
2. Using installer handle tool No. C-4171 and bearing/oil seal removal tool No. MB990928 or equivalents, remove inner bearing and oil seal from axle shaft trailing arm.

INSPECTION

1. Check companion flange for wear or damage.
2. Check dust cover for deformation or damage.
3. Check wheel bearings for burning, discoloration or rough rotation.
4. Check oil seal and axle shaft for cracking, wear or damage.

ASSEMBLY

1. Using installer handle tool No. C-4171 and bearing installer tool No. MB990931 or equivalents, press inner bearing onto trailing arm.

Fig. 18 Oil Seal Installation:

2. Apply suitable multipurpose grease to lip of new oil seal. Using oil seal installation tool No. MB990799 and a plastic hammer or equivalents, gradually and evenly press oil seal onto trailing arm with depression of oil seal facing upward, until it contacts shoulder on inside of inner arm.

Fig. 19 Inner Dust Cover Installation:

3. Position inner dust cover as shown. With oil seal installation tool No. MB990799 and plastic hammer or equivalents, gradually and evenly press fit dust cover until it contacts axle shaft shoulder.

Fig. 20 Outer Dust Cover Installation:

4. Position outer dust cover with depression facing upward as shown. With dust cover installation tool No. MB990799 and plastic hammer or equivalents, gradually and evenly press fit dust cover onto axle shaft.

Fig. 21 Outer Bearing Installation:

5. Apply multipurpose grease around entire circumference of inner side of outer bearing seal lip. Using bearing installation tool No. MB990560 or equivalent, press fit outer bearing to axle shaft so that the bearing lip surface is facing towards the axle shaft flange as shown.

6. After installing axle shaft, measure axle axial endplay with dial indicator. If endplay exceeds 0.031 inch, replace bearing.