As of axle no. F 168311 the non-driven axles, model designation 739.5 and 749.108 have been fitted with compact bearings at the wheel hub.
Up till now the wheel hub was mounted on two tapered roller bearings onto the axle journal.
In the modified mounting, the wheel hub and the compact bearing form a single component.
The major advantages of the wheel hub with compact bearing are:
The design means that the bearing play has to be preset. As a consequence, the previous steps for setting the wheel bearing play for repair and maintenance operation is now no longer applicable.
The brake disk and wheel flange ring are fastened into place on the wheel hub from the outside, using the same screws.
This construction means that the brake disk can be changed when the wheel hub is still installed.
The axle model designation and the code letters, which are a part of the axle no., have not been modified.
In the production, axles with tapered roller bearings and compact bearings were installed alternately although irregularly up to approx. axle no. F 179200.
Whether the axle is equipped with tapered roller bearings or compact bearings can be seen on the wheel flange ring.
Wheel flange ring (1) with cover (2) wheel hub with tapered roller bearing
Wheel flange ring (1) without cover wheel hub with compact bearing
W33.20-1042-01
Wheel hub with tapered roller bearing
1 Wheel flange ring
2 Cover (panel for wheel hub bearing)
Wheel hub with compact bearing
1 Wheel flange ring
W33.20-1043-01