Mercedes-Benz E-Class: How to Replace Wheel Hub Bearing

Learn how to replace your E-Class' wheel hub bearings yourself and save a ton of money in the process. Read on for the step-by-step guide.

By Jerry Perez - June 22, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class w211 and w212 (2002-Present).

If you've never replaced or fixed a wheel hub bearing yourself, then chances are you've never seen one. The wheel hub bearing is buried deep inside the wheel assembly of your Mercedes-Benz, and it plays a big role in handling as well as overall safety. Bearings are designed to let specific parts spin or rotate freely, so they endure massive amounts of friction and produce a lot of heat. Bearings rely on internal sealed beads to remain balanced and spin at high RPM. Therefore, as your wheel and axle turn, they will do so in a stable and safe manner. Once the lubricant in these bearings wear out (commonly due to high mileage), they can start squeaking or making grinding noises. If your E-Class' wheels are showing these symptoms, inspect and replace the bearings as soon as possible by following the steps below.

Figure 1. Worn wheel hub bearing from a w211 E-Class.

Materials Needed

Hydraulic floor jack and jack stands
Flat head screwdriver
5mm Allen wrench
14mm socket and ratchet
Soft rubber mallet
Hammer
Zip ties or bungee cord
Wheel bearing grease
Shop rags

Step 1 – Jack up the car

Before you can access the wheel bearings, use a floor jack and and jack stands to lift the rear or front end.
Loosen the lug nuts prior to lifting, and remove them entirely once the vehicle is lifted.
Then, remove the wheel and set it side.

Figure 2. Always support the vehicle with jack stands.
Figure 3. Carefully remove the wheel.

Step 2 – Remove the brake assembly

Use a ratchet and 14mm socket to remove two mounting bolts on the back side of the caliper.
Slide the caliper up and off of the brake rotor. Then use a zip tie or bungee cord to hang it from a fixed suspension component, so the brake fluid line or sensors do not get torn or damaged.
Use a rubber mallet to hammer the back side of the rotor as you rotate it.

Figure 4. Remove the caliper mounting bolts.
Figure 5. Zip tie used to hang caliper from the upper control arm.
Figure 6. Use rubber mallet to loosen the rotor.

Step 3 – Remove the old wheel bearing

Use the flat head screwdriver to pry off the grease cap. You may need to tap the screwdriver with a hammer for added leverage. Once the grease cap is off, you will see the center nut that holds the bearing in place.
Use a small 5mm Allen wrench to loosen the nut, and then remove it by hand.
Pull off the entire spindle assembly by hand. The wheel bearing will come off along with it.
Clean the spindle and make sure all of the old grease has been removed before installing the new bearing.