Front Hub Bearings — Checking (Mercedes-Benz C-Class W201)

1. With the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake and move the gear selector lever to first gear (manual transmission) or the "Parking" position (automatic transmission). Raise the front of the car with a jack and place it on supports.

2. Grasp the front wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and try to rock it. A small amount of play is acceptable, but if the movement is noticeable, you should find out what is causing it. Continue rocking the wheel, asking an assistant to press the brake pedal. If the wheel movement is limited or significantly reduced, the hub bearings are probably faulty. If the play is still noticeable when the brake is pressed, this means that the suspension joints or supports are worn out.

3. Now grab the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions and try to rock the wheel as before. Any movement that is felt may be due to worn hub bearings or worn tie rod ball joints. If the inner or outer ball joint is worn, movement will be easily visible.

4. Repeat the operation on the other front wheel. If the hub bearings require adjustment, contact Chapter 10 for a detailed description of this procedure.