Wanted to check out the rubber bushing that sits up against the undercarriage. To loosen that end of the control arm do I need to have the coil compressor or is it possible to simply keep the wheel jacked up to keep it in check?
There may be an easier way to check them for wear/damage that would result in a somewhat harsh feel when hitting pot holes or bumps? Appreciate any help.

if you are not disconnecting anything, you don't need a spring compressor.
wear is a visible thing you can see with the car sitting on stands.
changing it is another story. you will need a compressor to remove the bushings.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
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My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
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1987 300TD
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I kind of looked at it already and nothing jumps at me. Would you think maybe tightening of the bolts would help?

harsh feeling at bumps would point me to shocks, and such. although the 124 is known for issues with subframe mount failures... be sure to look over the entire undercarriage.

I am right with you on that and so a couple of month ago I replaced shocks with Bilsteins thinking I got the problem nipped in the bud...

If you're getting a knock in the front suspension on bumps, I'd look at upper strut mounts, control-arm bushings, and sway-bar bushings.

Although I have changed the front control arms without a spring compressor, using jacks, I wouldn't recommend it as it is risky.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Thank you for the info and I think I need to take a closer look : my plan is to take the nut off the center bolt and gain a full view of the side of the bushing. With my jack under the wheel I will raise it up a bit and see what's happening, if anything. Will keep you posted.

T124, not 123.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Did you end up changing out your rubber bushings. I'm in the same spot you are. After 25 years on the car I believe it is time to swap them out.

Did you end up doing the work, did you need a compressor? And how much did the bushings end up costing you.

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Austin TX


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