Symptoms
Weeping from the steering-ball swivel housings, wheel-bearing play, clicking CV joints, torn boots.
The fix, step by step
- Strip each corner to the knuckle: hub, wheel bearings, kingpin bearings, steering-ball gasket and wipe seals, inner axle seal, CV joint and boot.
- Expedition Imports sells complete front axle kits for the W460 and for 2001-and-older and 2002-and-newer W463s.
- Kingpin parts differ for 2002-on trucks, which need a different lower bearing.
- Match the kit to your axle number and build year before ordering.
Tools & part numbers
- Front axle service kit for your axle
- kingpin bearing kit (to 2001) or the 2002-on kit
- steering-ball wipe seal 460 331 01 80 (fits all G-Wagens; one per side)
- hub-nut socket
Where to buy the parts
Front Axle Service Kit — W460Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Front Axle Service Kit — W463 2002+Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Kingpin bearing kit (to 2001)Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Steering ball wipe sealExpedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mercedes-Benz G-Class W461 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.