Notes on R&R of Outer LCA Bushings (W124 and others) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jeremy5848 · #1 05-09-2013, 11:51 AM

"Squeak Joint" is as good a name as I've heard, even though it sounds like a tavern where reptilian Zindi toss down live mice with their drinks.

In any case, this thing actually isn't a "bushing" at all, it's more of a "spherical bearing." I put together a couple of pictures (thank you, Photoshop) showing what the insides look like. The first picture shows a new part, then the bad one removed from my '95 E300, then that same one cleaned up so only the metal parts remain.

The inner section (which in use is bolted to the LCA) is spherical and can rotate or swivel inside the outer part, which is pressed into the knuckle on the wheel carrier. The range of tilt available to the bearing is about +/- 15 degrees, as the second picture shows.

The bearing is packed with heavy grease; the rubber parts on the ends are grease seals. When the rubber gets old, it splits, allowing some of the grease to escape and water to get in. This rusts the steel surfaces, which rub together, giving you a "squeak joint."

Jeremy

whunter · #2 05-09-2013, 03:37 PM

Here are two DIY's for more data.

Pelican Mercedes-Benz Tech Article - Replacing Your Rear Lower Control Arm Bushings - Mercedes Benz - 190E, W124, W126, W201, W123

Pelican Mercedes-Benz Tech Article - Replacing Your Rear Multi-Link Suspension - Mercedes Benz - 190E, W124, W126, W201, W123

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Zulfiqar · #3 05-09-2013, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

"Squeak Joint" is as good a name as I've heard, even though it sounds like a tavern where reptilian Zindi toss down live mice with their drinks.

In any case, this thing actually isn't a "bushing" at all, it's more of a "spherical bearing." I put together a couple of pictures (thank you, Photoshop) showing what the insides look like. The first picture shows a new part, then the bad one removed from my '95 E300, then that same one cleaned up so only the metal parts remain.

The inner section (which in use is bolted to the LCA) is spherical and can rotate or swivel inside the outer part, which is pressed into the knuckle on the wheel carrier. The range of tilt available to the bearing is about +/- 15 degrees, as the second picture shows.

The bearing is packed with heavy grease; the rubber parts on the ends are grease seals. When the rubber gets old, it splits, allowing some of the grease to escape and water to get in. This rusts the steel surfaces, which rub together, giving you a "squeak joint."

Jeremy

Its looks like a ball joint - I believe a similar part exists on BMWs too which are the major cause of camber problems. On them they are actually called ball joints.

tisdale36 · #4 08-16-2016, 02:25 PM

On the EPC picture of the thrust arm, how do I get the pin marked 123? My bushing is "melted" to it?

gsxr · #5 08-16-2016, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tisdale36

On the EPC picture of the thrust arm, how do I get the pin marked 123? My bushing is "melted" to it?

Item #123 in that diagram is a thin metal sleeve, designed to take up the space when a smaller M10 bolt is used inside an M12 hole.

See photo below, the sleeve is on the left / center of the picture.