Symptoms
A squeak from the bell housing when you press the clutch, then a grinding or growling bearing. A vibrating or failing pressure plate can follow a badly fitted disc.
The fix, step by step
- If you catch the squeak early, grease the bearing in place.
- Remove the doghouse and floor covers and the bell-housing access cover, drop the rear clutch link, and roll the wire clips off the bearing.
- Pop the face off, push grease into the balls, then clip it back together, and press the clutch to reseat it.
- Expedition Imports says this isn't an MB-authorized repair and expects most owners will need a new bearing eventually.
- When you fit a new clutch, put the puck disc's protruding hub towards the engine and adjust the pedal so the fingers can't touch the spinning disc.
Tools & part numbers
- Screwdrivers
- grease
- shop rags to catch dropped clips
- punch to mark the clutch shaft. Rocky Mountain Moggers lists release bearing A 000 250 32 15 and an SKF 6202 pilot bearing.
Where to buy the parts
Release bearing (TOB), 000 250 32 15Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Complete clutch set, MB newExpedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Clutch disc 003 250 38 03Expedition 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.