91 300SE wheel bearings and odometer replace

[jerryls]

I have a 300SE that needs a front wheel bearing and has a lazy odometer(only works sometimes). Does anyone know how to get the odometer out to replace it. I have a service manual that skips over how to get at the instrument cluster.
Also, I see a wheel bearing replacement part (Tinken) on Autozone for $9.00. I see a $44.00 bearing kit from a another parts store. Do I need the whole kit, or can I just change the bearing.
Anybody Know?
Thanks,

[talonlover]

You shold replace the whole wheel bearing assm. (inner and outer and the seal and cap) as long as your that far into the job. As far as the Odometer goes, there is a place in Decatur Ga. called "The Benz Store" ..at leats I think it's in Decatur. Anyway they rebuild speedometers and can fix that. You do have to remove the speedo from the cluster and mail it to them. Getting it out is not nearly as hard as getting it back in because the drive cable is just long enough to reach the back of the speedo. it's a very tight fit especially if you have big arms. I wish I could remember the address or number but i'm sure they are not the only people who can rebuild speedometers.

PS. I just read your post again and if you need info to pull the cluster itself from the dash it's not too hard but you can break it easily. Special tools are needed but you can make some if needed. You can fashion 2 long pieces of spring steel with a 1/8" "L" bent into one end and a pull handle on the other. The wire needs to be a little smaller than the diameter of a coat hanger wire. There are locations on both sides of the top that you need to release by inserting the wires and pulling. If you know a friend who is into MB's they can pull it in about 5 seconds because they know where to pull and how not to mess up your dash.

[j_hef]

definitly replace both bearings. to get at the cluster without the hooks, take down the lower dash panel and reach up and push it out from behind. I cant seem to find the link but theres a page on fixing the odo yourself. basically either slide the pin the #'s spin on over a little so it grabs again or, pull it out and rough it up so it will grab the plastic better.

[jerryls]

[Thanks,
Information like this can save alot of time and aggrevation. I'm used to making tools, so I'll try the L wire. I'll give it a try.
Is the $44.00 for the bearing kit an okay price for each front wheel?
Thanks Again,
Jerry

[jerryls]

Originally Posted by j_hef

definitly replace both bearings. to get at the cluster without the hooks, take down the lower dash panel and reach up and push it out from behind. I cant seem to find the link but theres a page on fixing the odo yourself. basically either slide the pin the #'s spin on over a little so it grabs again or, pull it out and rough it up so it will grab the plastic better.

I will change both inner and outer bearings. My concern is how hard it will be to get the old ones off. I guess I may need a puller?
Regarding the odometer, thanks for the tip, I just bought the car a few months ago with about 100K miles. I think the odometer worked when I bought it but I'm not sure. Of course the first thing I did was try to check the gas mileage by pushing in the trip odometer reset. I read a thread that this can cause the problem.

** Since you guys seem to know alot about these cars, I have another problem with the brakes! At the end of a normal stop the pedal gives in slightly like the ABS is trying to kick in. I've had this feeling before on other cars and it was either a wheel cylinder they gave way or the master cylinder. Maybe it's the ABS? Any ideas?
BTW, I bought this car as I was discusted with a 2000 Ford LS I had that kept breaking down and was a nightmare to work on. I thought the Mercedes would be a reliable car and easy to work on. I still think(hope) so, but I need to fix these 3 problems. The engine at least runs great.
Jerry
Thanks,
Again

[talonlover]

Does the pedal vibrate when you apply brake? If so the problem may be the speed sensors for the ABS. ometimes you can remove them and just clean them and you will be fine, but if that doesn't work then the sensors need to be replaced. Now that may not be your problem at all, if your geting no pedal or fading pedal you could be looking at something along the lines of a master cylinder or something of that nature.

[jerryls]

No vibration, they work fine at first application. As I come to a full stop, they sort of break loose just before the car finally stops.