later style lower control arm bushings? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

haromaster87 · #1 07-09-2013, 12:45 PM

Hey guys,

I need to replace my lower control arm bushings. I did the research for this job a while ago. I remember reading how the W123 LCA bushings have to have the special tool to flare out the sleeve to secure them in place. While researching this, I remember reading that the W126 lower control arms used a later style bushing that was easier to install and use a more conventional method to secure it, and that this style fit fine on the W123.

Does anyone know of these? More importantly, what year they started using those? I know I can make something work for the older style, but if I can get the newer style, that's one less thing to worry about. I've searched high n' low and cannot find the threat I originally read that in.

Thanks!

Diesel911 · #2 07-09-2013, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haromaster87

Hey guys,

I need to replace my lower control arm bushings. I did the research for this job a while ago. I remember reading how the W123 LCA bushings have to have the special tool to flare out the sleeve to secure them in place. While researching this, I remember reading that the W126 lower control arms used a later style bushing that was easier to install and use a more conventional method to secure it, and that this style fit fine on the W123.

Does anyone know of these? More importantly, what year they started using those? I know I can make something work for the older style, but if I can get the newer style, that's one less thing to worry about. I've searched high n' low and cannot find the threat I originally read that in.

Thanks!

See post #13
W123 Excessive wear on outside of front tire

It is not exactly a later Model Bushing. The one for the W126s of the same year is listed in the W123 as a optional chose of parts for cars using the larger OD Tires.

In the DIY Repair Links there is at least 3 methods of flaring the Sleeve on the original type LCA Bushings.
When I did mine I used an Impact Socket that had a Taper on the out side. Others frequently use one of the Wheel/Lug Blots as they are tapered.
I don't believe the Aluminum Sleeve has much to do with keeping the parts Together as it is not very Strong. Once the Lower Control Arm is installed a hefty Torque (done with the Wheels on the Ground as they would normally be) squeezes it together and it does not Move.

Also if you use the LCA Bushing with the Aluminum Sleeve put a Never-seez type compound on the Bolt that goes through it so it will not rust the Aluminum Sleeve. That happened to one of mine and I had a hard time getting the Bolt out of the Bushing.

KCM · #3 07-09-2013, 06:40 PM

The flaring of the aluminum sleeve sounds more ominous than it really is. I just did mine. Found an inch hex bolt close to the diameter of the eccentric bolt and also a short flathead socket cap screw the same diameter. After the bushings were in, placed the tube in the hole, stuck the hex bolt in the side that was already flared, and the flathead in the other (with the conical side toward the sleeve). Placed the assembly in the bench vice and clamped. Flared the aluminum nicely and very easily. No special (and expensive) tool required.

haromaster87 · #4 07-09-2013, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

See post #13
W123 Excessive wear on outside of front tire

It is not exactly a later Model Bushing. The one for the W126s of the same year is listed in the W123 as a optional chose of parts for cars using the larger OD Tires.

In the DIY Repair Links there is at least 3 methods of flaring the Sleeve on the original type LCA Bushings.
When I did mine I used an Impact Socket that had a Taper on the out side. Others frequently use one of the Wheel/Lug Blots as they are tapered.
I don't believe the Aluminum Sleeve has much to do with keeping the parts Together as it is not very Strong. Once the Lower Control Arm is installed a hefty Torque (done with the Wheels on the Ground as they would normally be) squeezes it together and it does not Move.

Also if you use the LCA Bushing with the Aluminum Sleeve put a Never-seez type compound on the Bolt that goes through it so it will not rust the Aluminum Sleeve. That happened to one of mine and I had a hard time getting the Bolt out of the Bushing.

That's the exact thread I was looking for. Thanks! I know I could find a way to make the flare in the tube, but after reading what the other bushing is for, I think that one would be better since I'll be installing 16in Ronal R9's soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCM

The flaring of the aluminum sleeve sounds more ominous than it really is. I just did mine. Found an inch hex bolt close to the diameter of the eccentric bolt and also a short flathead socket cap screw the same diameter. After the bushings were in, placed the tube in the hole, stuck the hex bolt in the side that was already flared, and the flathead in the other (with the conical side toward the sleeve). Placed the assembly in the bench vice and clamped. Flared the aluminum nicely and very easily. No special (and expensive) tool required.

Thanks a lot for the tip! If I end up going with the flare tube type, I'll give this method a try.

Thanks!

Diesel911 · #5 07-10-2013, 12:50 AM

The original type Bushings need to be oriented properly before they are pressed in.

You will need to find the W126 of the same years instructions on how to orient the W126 Bushing properly.