Symptoms
Grease weeping from the steering knuckles, torn CV boots, play or noise from the front wheel bearings, or simply no record of the service.
The fix, step by step
- Strip the front hubs and knuckles, replace the CV boots and wheel bearings, and repack with fresh grease.
- Europa recommended doing it every 40,000 miles; one owner found it necessary by about 75,000.
- Bearing clearances are critical, so if you don't own a dial indicator and the factory procedure, use a G-experienced shop.
Tools & part numbers
- Factory service procedure
- hub nut socket
- dial indicator
- CV boots
- wheel bearings
- grease
- seals
Where to buy the parts
Genuine Mercedes front wheel bearing, outer 009 981 48 05 — listed for 2002+ W463; confirm fit by VINFCP Euro ↗Amazon ↗
Genuine Mercedes front wheel seal 463 334 01 59 — listed for 2002+ W463; confirm fit by VINFCP Euro ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mercedes-Benz 500 GE V8 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.