w111 rear wheel bearings

[dunc1]

Hi
I have replaced the wheel bearings on my 1969 Mercedes 280se coupe, as I was experiencing some intermittent grinding/scraping sounds when driving at different speeds - from crawling in a car park to 35mph or so, down the street. I am hoping that it was related to the wheel bearings but have yet to test on the road.
After installing the new bearings, I noticed that I was able to rock my rear pass side wheel back and forth from 12 to 6 o'clock position and 3 to 9 o'clock. It could travel 1/16th inch or so and was not as obvious on the driver side rear. I didn't like it, so bought another wheel bearing kit and replaced it again.
Same rock back and forth.

I took the newly replaced bearing and put the outer ring of it in a vice, with a socket through the middle and found that it had play and I could move the bearings and inner ring.
This play is amplified when grabbing the outside of the tire and rocking that on the car.

Is this normal and expected with these bearings ? I was relieved that the play was within the bearing and not some other issue.

Has anyone used cylindrical needle pin bearings to eliminate the play ?

I presume everyone is using the same wheel bearings that come in the kits - 80mm outer, 40mm inner x 18mm width (9 balls) - febi brand

Any insight would be most welcome.
Thanks
Duncan
 

[wwheeler]

I am not an expert on this, but I believe the right side (pass) uses a different bearing than the left. It is meant to self align because of the axle geometry when it moves. I remember my W111 had more movement on the right side than I was used to after the rebuild. The rebuilder claims that is the way it is on these. Left side has less movement.

Others who are more knowledgeable on rear axles hopefully can comment. 

[dunc1]

Hi Wallace
I appreciate the response and seems that you are familiar with the "issue" - I haven't seen any bearing kits marked for left, or right. It seemed strange, so went through the process of changing the rear pass. side again and got same results. Seeing the play with the bearing in a vice gave me peace of mind.
I never gave the wheel a wobble with the old bearings before, to observe this play and the bearings that came off were same ball style and appeared in decent shape. Perhaps, better not mess with any "self-aligning" aspect to the ball type and forget about the cylindrical needle pin type of bearing.
Getting close to driving "Loretta" again. Fingers crossed.
I will follow up on any other aspects that we covered in other posts, after a few shake-down drives.
Cheers,
Duncan

[wwheeler]

I am not where I can look up part numbers, so I can’t do that. Since this is the same axle as the W113, search this site about this. I am pretty sure I remember this being discussed.

[dunc1]

Thanks for the suggestion of digging around on the forum - I found this nugget of info. that the bearing is different on the right side of the car and is a barrel bearing, rather than ball. I snapped a screenshot of the comment that was the most informed on the matter.
I then attempted to find the bearing - DIN 635 - 20208 and saw a variety of prices all north of $200 - I then called the classic center in Long Beach and they didn't have it in stock, but ordered one for $90 - They sent me the parts diagram and you can see two different numbers on the bearings 256, 259.
Score -
Now have to take it all apart again. 3rd times a charm
I will update after the bearing is installed.
Hope the word spreads and people will be mindful of requiring 2 different bearings for the rear -

[Benz Dr.]

Yes, the right side will have a bit of end play even when new. I would advise that the special barrel roller bearing be used so that the whole system is allowed to self align. 

[wwheeler]

You are on the right track Duncan! Good luck.