Author Topic: Front hub removal  (Read 3099 times)

RonDwyer

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Front hub removal
« on: February 13, 2017, 01:47:30 »
The oil leaking was enough to warrant fixing before I drive this to San Jose next weekend for a thorough steam cleaning.  I was amazed at how easily the front bolt was to remove from the crankshaft.  Doing this with anything less than a 1/2" drive with extension and using the bumper as a support would have been impossible.  Amazing how easy it is to get at all the rest of the pieces with everything removed  :)

The extra pipe on the ratchet made this the easiest removal. 

Not sure if the designers at MBZ put that hole in the harmonic to be used like I did, but it sure did make the job easier. 

Shvegel

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Re: Front hub removal
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2017, 03:54:30 »
When I worked in a European car shop we used to put a breaker bar against the frame rail and hit the starter.

RonDwyer

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Re: Front hub removal
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2017, 04:07:43 »
I have a preference for solutions that are a little less stressful on cast iron components after watching a friend break the nose off his M30 BMW crankshaft using a 3/4 drive impact.  Even with a 36" pipe on the end of a 24" ratchet this afternoon, all it needs is a little force to get the first crack, then you know it is good to go.  The starter method sounds like a great way to ruin the ring gear.   That bolt has not been off the car since 1969. glad I thought to use a little Kroil on it. 

ja17

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Re: Front hub removal
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2017, 05:40:29 »
Good tip Pat.  I'm sure the ring gear is robust enough to take the stress.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Kevkeller

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Re: Front hub removal
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2017, 12:55:34 »
I used a impact wrench and the bolt came off very easily.  It took a few seconds for it to start moving but it did work.  I guess the nice thing about this method is you don't have to hook up anything to stop the engine.

Has anyone heard of a reason not to use this method on the W113's?  notwithstanding what Ron said?

Kevin
1970 280 SL

mbzse

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Re: Front hub removal
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2017, 13:10:14 »
Quote from: RonDwyer
.../...Not sure if the designers at MBZ put that hole in the harmonic to be used like I did, but it sure did make the job easier.../..
That hole in the harmonic dampener is there so that the lower bolt for the water pump housing can be loosened/tightened.
You found new ways for using it, I see he he
/Hans S

RonDwyer

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Re: Front hub removal
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2017, 02:44:30 »
And who wouldn't take advantage of a convenient hole in time of need?  :o