Symptoms
Play in the steering knuckles, or oil seeping from them. Owners report cracked bronze sleeves, which you can see once the axle shaft is out.
The fix, step by step
- With the hub and shaft out (see the seal job), disconnect the steering and remove the knuckle.
- Replace the kingpin bushings, thrust washers and seals from a rebuild kit.
- Expedition Imports installs the axle-housing bronze bushing from the outside in, using bearing-retainer Loctite, then runs Mercedes' tapered calibration tool (401 589 00 15 00, superseded by 406 589 02 15 00) through it to flare it into place.
- They say they've never had one fail that way.
Tools & part numbers
- Press
- bushing driver
- calibration tool 406 589 02 15 00 (or a shop that has one)
- Loctite bearing retainer
- grease gun.
Where to buy the parts
Steering knuckle rebuild kit, one sideExpedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Axle bushing 406 332 10 50Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
404 front axle bushing, gasket and seal kitExpedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mercedes-Benz Unimog 404 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.