Front hub removal

[RonDwyer]

The oil leaking was enough to warrant fixing before I drive this to San Jose next weekend for a thorough steam cleaning.  I was amazed at how easily the front bolt was to remove from the crankshaft.  Doing this with anything less than a 1/2" drive with extension and using the bumper as a support would have been impossible.  Amazing how easy it is to get at all the rest of the pieces with everything removed 

The extra pipe on the ratchet made this the easiest removal. 

Not sure if the designers at MBZ put that hole in the harmonic to be used like I did, but it sure did make the job easier. 

[Shvegel]

When I worked in a European car shop we used to put a breaker bar against the frame rail and hit the starter.

[RonDwyer]

I have a preference for solutions that are a little less stressful on cast iron components after watching a friend break the nose off his M30 BMW crankshaft using a 3/4 drive impact.  Even with a 36" pipe on the end of a 24" ratchet this afternoon, all it needs is a little force to get the first crack, then you know it is good to go.  The starter method sounds like a great way to ruin the ring gear.   That bolt has not been off the car since 1969. glad I thought to use a little Kroil on it. 

[ja17]

Good tip Pat.  I'm sure the ring gear is robust enough to take the stress.

[Kevkeller]

I used a impact wrench and the bolt came off very easily.  It took a few seconds for it to start moving but it did work.  I guess the nice thing about this method is you don't have to hook up anything to stop the engine.

Has anyone heard of a reason not to use this method on the W113's?  notwithstanding what Ron said?

Kevin

[mbzse]

.../...Not sure if the designers at MBZ put that hole in the harmonic to be used like I did, but it sure did make the job easier.../..

That hole in the harmonic dampener is there so that the lower bolt for the water pump housing can be loosened/tightened.
You found new ways for using it, I see he he

[RonDwyer]

And who wouldn't take advantage of a convenient hole in time of need?