i built a w124 rear LCA inner bushing tool - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

1project2many · #16 11-02-2013, 07:59 AM

I have a ball joint press that's invaluable for jobs like this. It's an expensive investment but it will last for many years. You can search for "OTC 7429" to see mine. There are less expensive versions as well and for an individual maintaining a few vehicles it's a worthwhile investment.

For that job I probably would have cut the large flanged end off the center sleeve before doing anything else. That would allow finding a socket or pipe to support the arm from one end and driving from the other.

Stretch wrote:

Quote:

Actually thinking about it that's not a bad place for a BBQ grill - load up the back of the truck with dead cow - pop down the tail gate and start a fire...

lol
It's not all cowboys and gangsterz over here.

vstech · #17 11-02-2013, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1project2many

I have a ball joint press that's invaluable for jobs like this. It's an expensive investment but it will last for many years. You can search for "OTC 7429" to see mine. There are less expensive versions as well and for an individual maintaining a few vehicles it's a worthwhile investment.

For that job I probably would have cut the large flanged end off the center sleeve before doing anything else. That would allow finding a socket or pipe to support the arm from one end and driving from the other.

Stretch wrote:

lol
It's not all cowboys and gangsterz over here.

yeah... but there is so little steel to grasp. I'm building a pipe with a lip that the sleeve fits snuggly into, to fully support it. a socket only sits on the arm end, and it's very soft metal... no strength, and it deforms easily.

oh, and the OTC 7429 google search turned up banjo fittings...

whunter · #18 11-03-2013, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

here's a few pics.

#1 shows the damage from using a socket on the control arm to press out the old bushing.
2 shows how it looks undamaged
3 is a close up of some damage caused by worn bushings, and contact with the subframe
4 is the other arm showing more damage from contact due to worn bushings
5 is a new bushing with my fresh new tool attached ready to push into the arm.

Call me Sunday to discuss a few tricks we may or may not post to the forum, after discussion.

.

1project2many · #19 11-03-2013, 01:51 AM

Quote:

a socket only sits on the arm end, and it's very soft metal... no strength, and it deforms easily.

Ahh. There are some tricks I use at the shop for those situations but they may not be appropriate for everyone.

Quote:

oh, and the OTC 7429 google search turned up banjo fittings...

Fumble fingers on my part. Part number is 7249.

vstech · #20 11-03-2013, 08:33 AM

ahh, 7249, it's the same as HF's kit... nothing will fit on the control arm...

vstech · #21 11-07-2013, 07:37 AM

OK, the tool is complete... and it works GREAT!!!!

however, I've discovered that the control arms on the sedan are NOT THE SAME as a wagon...

apparently, the SLS ram is larger than a shock, and they widened the mount point in the wagon control arm...
So... now I've got to pull the control arms from my parts wagon for Jay Bob's wagon I'm rebuilding...
swell.

vstech · #22 11-25-2013, 11:14 PM

... nearly complete with Jay's wagon, and we discovered a great technique to torque the subframe links without removing the springs or compressing them.
I just dropped one side, adjusted the LCA until the axle was parallel with the diff, and torqued everything down solid!