Hello. I tried searching this topic beforehand so if its been covered already feel free to send me a link. I am working on a clients 1970 280sl. During the inspection excess free play while rocking the tire from top to bottom was noted at the passenger side rear wheel. Upon disassembly I found the incorrect ball bearing instead of the self centering roller bearing. Installed new correct bearing and seals. Checked the axle tube and shaft bearing mount surface. I realize now i should have checked concentricity and the inner diameter of the axle tube bearing mount surface and compared with specs.
There was some resistance to the bearing being mounted to the shaft, less so into the rear axle tube. Suspecting a loose fit for the bearing at the axle tube I did use loctite bearing retainer. I did not peen the mount surface as i have not had success with peening bearings that experience higher load.
After all was back together the free play was basically the same.
My question is who has experienced this issue and how did you fix it. New axle tube and shaft? Machine the tube and fit a sleeve?