Support Rod vs Guide Rod
 

Can anyone tell me the difference between a support rod and a guide rod or are they the same thing? When I look under my car just behind the front wheels there is a large bushing with a bolt/rod coming out horizontally towards the front of the car. This bushing is worn out and needs to be changed but I don't know what to call it so I can buy it. I also need to know so I can do a search to find out how to do this project.

Rod going from under car behind wheels to control arm, just under spring is called brake corntrol rod, guide rod, support rod, or something else. Depends on who ya talk to. Bottom line is that the (ball) joints at the rear go bad and need to be replaced every 100k or so. While you are doing that, might as well do the subframe mounts that are in the same assembly as the rod joint. Check fastlane or the dealer of your choice. It is a DIY job of moderate difficulty.

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1A80GYW8Q1G20VAJ9L&year=1983&make=MB&model=300-SD-002&category=L&part=Guide+Rod+Mount+Kit

In the old days they were called ' control rods'....
It looks like the MB manual calls it a ' supporting tube ' .

The Parts guy calls them $75 @ :rolleyes: