Author Topic: Front axle rebuild  (Read 3431 times)

Albert

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Front axle rebuild
« on: October 02, 2014, 21:27:00 »
Gents,
Over the next few months I'll fully rebuild the complete front suspension of my SL.
I'm seeking advice on purchasing:
Wheel bearings, king pins, bushes, adjuster etc ( all serviceable items)

Should I purchase from a Mercedes dealer or after market ones of reasonable std?

Regards
Al

GGR

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Re: Front axle rebuild
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2014, 23:38:56 »
Febi makes some king pins and is supposed to be an MB supplier. However I heard some specialists say they were not as durable or as closely machined as the original ones. Other members will surely come with more opinions and experiences.

I would recommend that you take the lower control arms and the suspension springs out while the front axle is still on the car, as you can do that safely using a jack and the taking advantage of the weight of the car. Best way to put them back in is to put the axle in place first, and then fit the springs and lower control arms. You will just have to jack them up in place.

ja17

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Re: Front axle rebuild
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2014, 01:50:45 »
Lots of hard dirty work. Ask questions. Lots of good deals on  parts if you look around.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

jameshoward

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Re: Front axle rebuild
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2014, 20:58:29 »
Bearings are standard. Buy online rather than from MB. Just Google. Kingpins are horrible. Good luck. As Joe says, ask lots of questions. You'll get there with the advice here.
James Howard
1966 LHD 230SL