So , I'm replacing everything on the 300d, the new lca bushings are not perfectly round - the fsm doesn't mention this nor have I been able to find it here. I found the question posed, but no answer. Do these bushings need to align to anything, or each other even, when I put them back into the control arms?

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tgingrich
'83 300TD 282k
'83 300D 239k
'82 300SD 204k
DFW

I would say, considering the work involved in removing the CA, if you have it out, I would just replace them on principle. My .02

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1989 300E 144K

I am replacing them. Is there a required direction to orient them in the control arm? They are rubber ellipses, not circles like the opening in the control arm.

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tgingrich
'83 300TD 282k
'83 300D 239k
'82 300SD 204k
DFW

I should have read better. Sorry...

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1989 300E 144K

If I remember correctly, the flat of the bushing is supposed to align with the spring perch.

Edit:

Section 33-520, Reconditioning of lower control arm.

2 part bearing:
3 part bearing:
Do not use oil or grease during installation. FSM says to use Slide fluid.

http://www.pauldrayton.com/uploadfiles/merc/Service/W123/Main.html

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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What is slide fluid? KY?

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Thanks Danny.
That is exactly what I needed. I guess I didn't read far enough into the FSM - I stopped at removal of the arm and expected the information there. Thanks again.

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tgingrich
'83 300TD 282k
'83 300D 239k
'82 300SD 204k
DFW

Your welcome....no worries.

I don't know what slide fluid is. If it was me I would use WD-40.

__________________
1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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(='.'=) This is Bunny. Copy and paste bunny into your
(")_(") signature to help him gain world domination

See my thread:

Write up - Ball Joints & Lower Control Arm Bushings & Tool Review (PICS!)

Post #9 & #10 talks about orientation

Remember to install the lower control arm bushings with the flats of the bushing in parallel with the control arm (just stop and think for a second what type of motion the inner bushing is trying to prevent on that side of the control arm – the arm being yanked in and out of the chassis mount).

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~shell
As of 2/2010:
2001 CLK55 0o\=*=/o0
13.6 @ 106mph
10K mi
1984 300SD
260K mi and going and going...
97 S600
46K miles
1991 Sentra SE-R (extremely dorked with)
www.se-r.net

Uh oh. Did you not mark the eccentric bolt before you had it off? You will certainly need a realignment. Start with the stern on the bottom. Make sure you don't torque them down before you put weight on them.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

That is what I used and it works great. Some auto parts places also carry assembly lube. I believe the intention is a temporary lubricant that will ease assembly but eventually dissipate in order to keep the rubber bushing in place.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )