Which is the correct RH rear axle bearing for 1969 280SL?

[rutger kohler]

I have been told the the play in my RH rear axle (enclosed shafts) is too much and I need to replace the bearing.  Have looked back at several posts and there seems to a different bearings available for the RH side?  Buds Benz seem to supply the same bearing for both sides whilst SLS Hamburg have a  more expensive bearing kit for the RH side?

According to the Haynes repair manual the replacement procedure is very involved so I want to get it right the first time plse comment.

[George Des]

There are many posts regarding the proper bearing for the rear axle. Do a search and you will find that there are two different bearings used on the rear axle. The right side is a self-adjusting roller bearing that sells in most places for around $100 US or so. The left side is a std ball bearing. Several sources will tell you that the right side can use the same bearing but this is not recommended since the right side of the axle is where the universal slip joint is located and the self-adjusting bearing allows the proper flexure of the axle due to the motion of the slip joint.

[ja17]

Hello kohler,

Good summary, I agree with George.

[stickandrudderman]

Ditto, except for the readily available bit.
I buy mine direct from MB.

[Benz Dr.]

You can buy a bearing with two rows of balls but this isn't one you need to use. This type of bearing is for high speed applications. The correct one is a spherical or barrel roller bearing designed for load. Since your rear axle shaft probably won't turn faster than 1,500 RPM's at any given time, this is going to be the correct bearing.

 I have no problem getting this bearing which is special order through my regular supplier. It costs more than a standard bearing because it has a very specific use that isn't commonly asked for. MB would be the last place I'd go for something like this, but since I haven't, I guess it would be fair to ask what they want for this part.

[stickandrudderman]

I just paid £69.00 for one last week. My bearing supplier quoted me £90.00!

[drmb]

You may go to alot of expense to replace the bearing and seals probably because the warrant of fitness ( road worthy ) inspector
mentioned it as being unsafe,but you will probably find it still has the same amount of play with the new bearing.I would check
the retaining nut on the inner axle for tightness and if the bearing is not noisy leave it alone and take a diagram of the set up for
 the next inspection of the setup,works for me.

[rutger kohler]

Thanks drmb, could be a plan, do you mean the retaining nut that holds the spherial or roller bearing on, or further in in the crown wheel and pinion area?

[Benz Dr.]

I would think he's talking about the nut beside the bearing.  The axle shaft should have next to zero end play.

[George Des]

Last time I bought the roller bearing, it was about $90.00 US. The left side is a common ball bearing costing about $15-20 US last time I checked.

[drmb]

I have the correct tool for the bearing retaining nut if you want to use it.

[rutger kohler]

Hi, have thought a lot about what drmb has said, and if the same play would still be there after a new outer bearing is put in and correctly locked up, to the correct torque then you surely have to be talking about a bearing right in the crown wheel and pinion area, yes?

[drmb]

No not at all. The outer wheel bearing mounted on the axle is completely independant to the crown wheel and pinion.