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  #1  
Old 12-23-2004, 03:12 AM
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Thumbs up Trailing Arm Bushing W126 1985 300SD DIY

Mine have failed.
I hope to get and install the parts tomorrow.

The rear springs and shims where replaced at the same time..

If you have ABS, watch the tension on the differential speed sensor wire, you can rip it out.
Rear sub frame front bolts must be removed and frame lowered.
Rear drive shaft flex coupling must be disconnected.
I used a ball joint press to remove and install the bushings.
Attached Thumbnails
Trailing Arm Bushing W126 1985 300SD DIY-rear-suspension.jpg   Trailing Arm Bushing W126 1985 300SD DIY-trailing-arm.jpg   Trailing Arm Bushing W126 1985 300SD DIY-spring_rubber_cup.jpg   Trailing Arm Bushing W126 1985 300SD DIY-new-rear-springs.jpg  
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Last edited by whunter; 05-12-2005 at 10:11 PM.
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  #2  
Old 12-23-2004, 07:36 AM
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The bushings are on the lower control arm? I am very interested in photos as I have that procedure to do soon. My rear lower control arm is rusted and will need to be replaced in the next 12 months. Photos and text greatly appreciated.
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'87 300SDL 277K Miles
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  #3  
Old 12-23-2004, 08:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whunter
Mine have failed.
Good Morning Roy,

Symptom(s) of failure would be immensely valuable.
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  #4  
Old 12-23-2004, 09:39 AM
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I'm interested in this too. My rear end is "squirmy", for want of a better word - it just doesn't feel right. On leaf spring vehicles this has always been down to the spring bushings and shackle bushings, so I'm assuming in this case it's sub frame mounts and trailing arm bushings that are shot.

Unless Mercedes uses some form of bushing material unknown to other manufacturers, there's just no way any of them are any good after 175K. Same with the springs, the steel has the same mechanical properties as all other springs and they're just worn out by this mileage.

Kevin
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  #5  
Old 12-23-2004, 09:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KCampbell
Unless Mercedes uses some form of bushing material unknown to other manufacturers, there's just no way any of them are any good after 175K. Same with the springs, the steel has the same mechanical properties as all other springs and they're just worn out by this mileage.
I normally would think the same. However, the SDL sits about 2 inches low in the rear and it has 125K on the clock and is 18 years old.

The SD sits dead level, has a tighter feel than the SDL and is 20 years old. It's rear springs are at the same height today as they were when the vehicle was originally manufactured.

Go figure.
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  #6  
Old 12-23-2004, 11:34 AM
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Rear control arm R&R requires dropping that side of the subframe to get the outer bolt out.

Jack the wheel free of the ground and apply torque via a lug bolt with the parking brake set. If the wheel moves back and forth, bushings are shot. If not, check to see if the sway bar links are still present, if not, replace.

Peter
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  #7  
Old 12-23-2004, 08:42 PM
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Unhappy Hmmm, similar issue alerted me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by KCampbell
I'm interested in this too. My rear end is "squirmy", for want of a better word - it just doesn't feel right. On leaf spring vehicles this has always been down to the spring bushings and shackle bushings, so I'm assuming in this case it's sub frame mounts and trailing arm bushings that are shot.
Unless Mercedes uses some form of bushing material unknown to other manufacturers, there's just no way any of them are any good after 175K. Same with the springs, the steel has the same mechanical properties as all other springs and they're just worn out by this mileage.
Kevin
Steering went squirrelly during deceleration and braking.
Everything is fine under acceleration.
I hit a patch of black ice, feathering the accelerator to maintain control, I felt the trailing arms shifting and flexing.
A twenty inch pry bar between body and trailing arm/bushing area gave me 4mm trailing arm movement.
Close examination of bushing shows the rubber coming out one side.
The outside bushings on both sides are very bad.

Last edited by whunter; 12-23-2004 at 11:38 PM.
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  #8  
Old 12-27-2004, 07:15 PM
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Thumbs up Yes!!!

Parts got in this afternoon.
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  #9  
Old 01-14-2005, 12:41 AM
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Here is the best bushing

from the trailing arms.
All the others are little pieces.
Attached Thumbnails
Trailing Arm Bushing W126 1985 300SD DIY-bad_trailing_arm_bushing.jpg   Trailing Arm Bushing W126 1985 300SD DIY-bad_trailing_arm_bushing_2.jpg  
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  #10  
Old 05-12-2005, 09:49 PM
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Thumbs up Another good thread on topic.

Sub Frame - Trailing Arm Bushings
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/74439-sub-frame-trailing-arm-bushings-post467465.html#post467465
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  #11  
Old 09-01-2013, 01:53 AM
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Recycled

for new members
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Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/
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