124 carrier bushing R&R - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sixto · #16 11-30-2008, 06:11 PM

How can you tell? I got new bushings and the tool on the hunch they were causing rear end creaking. It would have been egg on my face if the bushings were in good shape.

Sixto
87 300D

Jeremy5848 · #17 11-30-2008, 06:22 PM

I grabbed hold of each link in both gloved hands and tried to twist. There was a very little bit of give but no more from the "old" ones than from the two that I replaced earlier this year. Additionally (and perhaps more importantly) there are no "clunks" or "squeaks" or other noises out of the rear end when people or other loads are placed in the rear seats or trunk. Finally, the car tracks straight down the road and does not wander or pull.

gsxr · #18 11-30-2008, 08:45 PM

Yeah, I thought mine were ok too... no noises, car tracked normally, etc etc. But the dust boots were totally shot and it would only be a matter of time before the joint started to fail and make noise. It is very hard to visually inspect these bushings. After 15 years / 150kmi, I'd replace them on principle, even if there are no obvious symptoms. They're cheap, and not difficult to R&R.

Side note: Omegabenz claims that if worn, these bushings can cause up to 1 degree of excess negative camber in the rear, which will wear the inside of the rear tires. I don't have a way to confirm this but I also don't doubt that he's right!

awsrock · #19 03-15-2009, 07:40 PM

Hey guys,

I accomplished one bushing today, and took a few pictures that might be of help for this write up. They aren't the best of quality, but they're ok.

awsrock · #20 03-15-2009, 07:46 PM

Some more

Call me crazy for leaving the rotor on, but it was being difficult and I managed to be able to get enough room with it left in place.

The R&R went quite smoothly, to my surprise. Usually everything I do ends up taking twice as long as it should!

I'll be doing the other one tomorrow, then the girlfriend is taking the car on a trip home for two days! Between the bushings and new Bilsteins in the back, it is riding quite nicely now

gsxr · #21 03-15-2009, 09:09 PM

I did this job on my sister's W124 two months ago, with the factory tool. I was unable to use the tool as shown in the FSM, it would not seat squarely, it would hit the wheel carrier frame and sit at an angle. I was forced to remove the brake rotor, bend the backing plate outward, and use the tool in the opposite position. This worked fine, although the bushing on the left side was frozen so tight, and I had to use so much force, I was afraid I might break the tool! Fortunately nothing disastrous happened. The other side was a breeze, minimal force was needed to get the bushing out. The horrid squeaking noise was completely eliminated with the new bushings, and my sister was no longer embarrassed to drive the car, lol...

awsrock · #22 03-15-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr

The horrid squeaking noise was completely eliminated with the new bushings, and my sister was no longer embarrassed to drive the car, lol...

Yeah, really..it is a horrid sound to say the least. It drove me nuts, and my girlfriend just kept saying "who cares"

Sweet! Applications of PB blaster worked pretty well for about a week at a time, so it is nice to not have to do that anymore!
The one I did today was the really bad one, and hopefully the other side won't be any more work than the one today was. I can't imagine doing this without the tool, though- that thing is great!

Jeremy5848 · #23 02-21-2010, 12:28 AM

Is David Wilson's Baum tool now #43 in the rental program? Sixto's OP said #40 but maybe the list has changed since then. I checked my rear suspension bushings while adjusting the parking brake today and at least one looks like it's getting a little long in the tooth so I'm planning on replacing both one of these days.

BSharp · #24 06-08-2010, 11:50 PM

So does anyone know of someone who has this tool for rent?

gsxr · #25 06-09-2010, 10:48 AM

Here are some additional photos of the replacement process. I have changed these bushings on all but one of my cars (have the parts, just haven't had time to do it yet). My sister's 124 fleet also has all new bushings now.

BSharp · #26 06-09-2010, 11:31 AM

GSXR, can I rent the tool from you?

Renntag · #27 06-09-2010, 02:44 PM

Great write up guys ! Thanks for pictures!

I am chasing a couple clunks in the rear. Found a differential bushing worn, ordered all related bushings. Is there a DIY for this? Once that is complete, I may have to perform this carrier bushing R&R as well.

gsxr · #28 06-12-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSharp

GSXR, can I rent the tool from you?

Sorry, I don't rent my tools out... nothing personal though!

The tool for this job is available on the "Tool Rental" list, however, so someone should be able to rent it to you...

BSharp · #29 06-12-2010, 06:12 PM

The member listed on the rental list replied to my pm that he does not rent it anymore. I guess it needs to be updated. Off to ebay I go. Thanks anyway.

mouramen · #30 06-13-2010, 09:53 AM

Just did the bushings and the bearings on both sides yesterday using a BIIIG hammer and home made tools, the bushings were replaced at the vise as the hub was out to replace the bearing.
I didn´t notice if there was any difference regarding the camber but when I assembled the first side it sat higher than the other and the car would steer to the opposite side, replaced the other side bushing and the car leveled and steers fine.
I'm very happy with the results, no more "choppa" noise and creeking from the back!!

Only money spent was on the parts, if one is patient and takes is time there's no need to use "special" mercedes tools...