Lower Control Arm Project - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

byronnash · #31 03-14-2011, 05:27 PM

Does the strut rod connect to the guide rod mount? If so, I changed those bushings.

disqo · #32 03-14-2011, 07:29 PM

I am getting ready for this job too. Why is the 126 bushing preferred over the 123 for the LCA?
Thanks,

Shane

byronnash · #33 03-14-2011, 08:59 PM

I'm not sure disqo, Roy from Peachparts said they lasted longer or something.

LandYaghtLover · #34 03-14-2011, 09:18 PM

For a 126, can the LCA with bushings and ball joint be purchased? Looked for a while but did not find a complete unit. Ball joints need to be replaced, would rather swap entire arm as I have done on other cars.

vstech · #35 03-14-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover

For a 126, can the LCA with bushings and ball joint be purchased? Looked for a while but did not find a complete unit. Ball joints need to be replaced, would rather swap entire arm as I have done on other cars.

I do not believe so.

VERY expensive if new. it's a super solid cast iron part. also, the ball joint is not in the LCA, it's in the spindle... so, no way to get it as a unit that way.
I have plenty of parts cars, I may pull the LCA's and clean/por15 treat, and rebuild with new bushings if there is a call for them...

vstech · #36 03-14-2011, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disqo

I am getting ready for this job too. Why is the 126 bushing preferred over the 123 for the LCA?
Thanks,

Shane

it's because of the assembly ease. no flaring required of the ends. just slide the bushing in, and put on the caps. done.

Yak · #37 03-14-2011, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disqo

I am getting ready for this job too. Why is the 126 bushing preferred over the 123 for the LCA?

Thanks,

Shane

In addition to easier assembly, I presume it's a beefier design. The FSM lists it as recommended if upgrading from 14" to 15" wheels and also to be used on the police version of the 123.

FSM 33-520

"Starting January 1982, vehicles with 15" tires as well as police vehicles are provided with the 3-part bearing in LCA (similar to 126). In the event of repairs, this bearing can also be installed in other vehicles of model 123 (e.g. with high front axle load)."

But you need to do both at the same time.

It also describes the center portion as the radial-torsion bushing and the ends as axial-torsion. Presumably the separate design would reduce shear at the shoulders of the two-piece bushing and result in a longer lifespan. Maybe incrementally better handling, too, but the rest of your system would have to be really tight for that to make a difference.

byronnash · #38 03-15-2011, 01:16 PM

Here are some photos from the job. You can see the whole LCA arm out, the bushing press, old bushings, and new 126 bushings installed.

Getting the second bushing out was pretty easy once I knew what worked on the other side. All I have left to do is put on the hubs, brakes, and air filter housing.

winmutt · #39 03-15-2011, 02:42 PM

Your bushings are not seated fully. Do these have the flared tube on the inside?

byronnash · #40 03-15-2011, 02:56 PM

Those are the 126 bushings that don't have the flared ends. They are pressed in as far as they will go and the spacing fits the mounting slot. I was a little concerned but Roy said as long as it fits they are in. The inner tube is flushed up with the outer cap tube.

Yak · #41 03-15-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byronnash

Here are some photos from the job. You can see the whole LCA arm out, the bushing press, old bushings, and new 126 bushings installed.

Getting the second bushing out was pretty easy once I knew what worked on the other side. All I have left to do is put on the hubs, brakes, and air filter housing.

Did you also replace the brake support bushing (I think it's called)? On the left in the first pic. When the rubber is loose like that it's an indicator that bearing is going, too. Causes thunks in the footwell, tougher to align.

byronnash · #42 03-15-2011, 11:29 PM

Not sure what a brake support bushing is. But the thing on the left in the first picture is a guide rod mount if that's what you are referring to.

I just got back from a test drive and so far so good! It handles better than it did before and nothing has fallen off yet. I'll get tires tomorrow and an alignment on Thursday.

vstech · #43 03-16-2011, 12:06 AM

looks great! see you in the morning.

Yak · #44 03-16-2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byronnash

Not sure what a brake support bushing is. But the thing on the left in the first picture is a guide rod mount if that's what you are referring to.

I just got back from a test drive and so far so good! It handles better than it did before and nothing has fallen off yet. I'll get tires tomorrow and an alignment on Thursday.

That was what I meant. Did you replace it? Your's wasn't looking healthy.

It is also known as/referenced as a "supporting joint" and the guide rod is a "supporting tube" for the "brake support". But you don't have to take my word for it. I'm just going by what the book says.

Yes, it is also identified/listed as a guide rod and a guide rod mount in some places, like the Fastlane parts list.

Puh-tay-toe, puh-tah-toe; tuh-may-toe, tuh-mah-toe...