MERCEDES-BENZ RECOMMENDATION • I read with both interest and concern
Page 42
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
about the case of the Ribble Motor Services fitter who was sacked after a lost wheel case involving a Mercedes 608 midibus (CM 1-7 November).
The standard practice adopted by Ribble and its local Mercedes agent for wheel fixing is indeed described as being correct. Mercedes further recommends that the wheelnuts be retorqued or refightened after approximately 501un. Mercedes installs a notice inside these vehicles to this effect.
I was therefore concerned to find no reference to this later recommendation in the report.
Six conical spring washers are employed in addition to the studs and conical nuts to Secure the wheels.
I think it is vital that any person carrying out wheel removal and replacement on these vehicles should be made aware of this 501cm retorque/ retighten procedure. Indeed, I consider it to be good practice with the wheelnuts of any motor vehicle.
D Penlington, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffs.