Hi, I'm new here so hello to all. My ml320 is making a terrible roaring noise coming from the from the front that sounds like it could be in the front wheel bearings. I steer from left to right and the noise increases or decreases. Does anyone have any thoughts on this??? I purchased the bearings and would like to do the work myself if I determine it is not too difficult and this is in fact my problem. Has anyone replaced front wheel bearing on the 320 and if so what is the sequence of steps to do this???? Is there anything else that would cause this noise that may be coming from the front portion of the all wheel drive mechanism??? Please post your thoughts and opinions.......

Thanks

 

sounds like you are on the money, i can tell you you will need some kind of press cause wheel bearings are one piece and even with the right tools like i have at shop it is diffical . the center drive shaft support also is a common problem but noise would be more behind you .

Jerry

 

my 1st guess is the front diff. wiggle the wheel and rim with the car off the ground, should be almost no movement. bearings usually will have play when they go bad but not always.

 

My first guess would be the lower ball joint, if the sound change with you steering right and left. Try to grease them with needle through the rubber dust protector booth and see if the sound will go away. I changed one rear wheel bearing on my own but it took 4 hours and big arbor press to get the old bearing out and new bearing in. Bearing sound should change with your speed and load on the wheel, there for R turn will make left side bad bearings louder and left turn right side bearings.
My 2 cents.
Bernard

 

ive recently bought the same 2000 ml 320 and its making that wheel bearing noise.ive checked for wheel bearing play but nothing out of the ordinary, someone mentioned front diff? any idea on whats envolved please ???