The Mercedes mechanic that I use wants to know the reason(s) the front hubs have to be greased. He believes that they do not need it. All the club forums say to do it but no reason as to why. There is a good manual out of GWOA that shows the where the grease goes and how much to use but no reason why. Anyone know?
W460 463 Front Hubs Greasing
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Turn the wheels fully left and then fully right, that will expose the fill plug at the back of the ball.
The grease keeps water out of the ball and lubes the seal. Without the seal water and dirt will fill the inside of the ball and that will degrade the CV boot and eventually get into the king pin bearings.
Actual level not that critical. Fill with a clear/light colored grease to the opening. If you (ever) see dark runny grease draining then you know the CV boot has failed.
The grease keeps water out of the ball and lubes the seal. Without the seal water and dirt will fill the inside of the ball and that will degrade the CV boot and eventually get into the king pin bearings.
Actual level not that critical. Fill with a clear/light colored grease to the opening. If you (ever) see dark runny grease draining then you know the CV boot has failed.
2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1995 E320 Cabriolet, 1980 TR8
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The grease is in there to prevent water intrusion into the hub ball assembly via the swipe seal, especially when the axle is underwater. The color of the grease (green, if I remember correctly), is chosen so that a change in color is indicative of CV boot failure. The consistency is chosen so that not too much grease escapes via the swipe seals.
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