Re: Axle bearing query

[Alex e]

Having recently replaced the rear wheel bearings on my 230 SL I now have very slight play in the right side bearing. Everything seemed to go back together well so I can`t understand why this is. Anyone else had this problem ? Alex

[stickandrudderman]

As long as it's minimal I'm afraid it's a product of the barrell roller bearing fitted to the right side (assuming the correct bearing has been used).
I did some experimenting a few years back with different bearings to try and eliminate it but without success.

[Alex e]

That's interesting, I was surprised as the original bearing which had been there for decades had no play. Yes I did use the correct bearing despite a certain SL specialist insisting my chassis number should have the same bearings both sides ! The amount of play is similar to what you would find acceptable on a front bearing, but if its not unusual then no problem. Thanks Alex.

[mbzse]

.../...SL specialist insisting my chassis number should have the same bearings both sides !.../...

Yes, well, the standard ball bearing is ok, but will wear due to not being able to accomodate the angular tension produced when the M-B swing axle extends and compresses.

The barrel roller bearing, designed to accept angular tension, is more expensive than a standard ball bearing.
In the olden days, for everyday use Mercedes cars (like W110 "Finback" etc.) it was considered adequate to use a std. ball bearing.
The barrel roller bearing was specified for the heavier more expensive models only (like 300SE and V8 equipped Mercedes)

[Pawel66]

I may remember it wrongly, but when I was looking for this rear right roller bearing 3-4 years ago, I figured they were two standards of play available. I managed to get the tighter one I think and I think the play was minimum. One I bought from MB was the bigger play standard...

But my memory gets rusty, it is good, but short...

[erickmarciano]

can someone explain why the sedans use the ball bearing on right . should the logic of swing axle be the same for sedans and SL?
I dont get it
thanks

[Benz Dr.]

can someone explain why the sedans use the ball bearing on right . should the logic of swing axle be the same for sedans and SL?
I dont get it
thanks

That's because they don't.  Left side uses a ball bearing because it's fixed in one position but the right side uses the barrel roller bearing because it changes alignment as the axle moves.

[rwmastel]

He was asking Sedan v SL.  According to post above, M-B says heavy Sedans get special bearing and SLs get standard bearing.  So, his question is, shouldn't they all get the special bearing?

[Benz Dr.]

190SL's use the special bearing and it's not a heavy car so I don't think weight has anything to do with it. That barrel roller bearing is pretty much standard equipment on all those swing axle cars.

Oh, and I understood the question just as I understand the answer. 

[erickmarciano]

my question is why the sedans w108 have the ball bearing on both sides but has the same axle as the w113?