Front LCA out of spec - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BirthdayBenz · #1 02-25-2017, 08:06 AM

I thought I'd be finishing my front suspension this morning but don't feel comfortable putting this one back in. Wish I had space to have kept the parts car around.

310,000 miles.

diesellover 92 · #2 02-25-2017, 11:34 AM

i havent done any suspension work on my 92 yet but plenty on other cars. If that is supposed to be a tapered fit it can be repaired.

ROLLGUY · #3 02-25-2017, 12:28 PM

That one appears to have come that way from the factory. I doubt it is from wear. If you measured it (center of large hole to the center of the ball joint hole) against one with a hole that looks more centered, you would probably find them to have the same measurement.

Diesel911 · #4 02-25-2017, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirthdayBenz

I thought I'd be finishing my front suspension this morning but don't feel comfortable putting this one back in. Wish I had space to have kept the parts car around.

310,000 miles.

When the Arms are installed is the thicker part on top?

One would think if they had lasted all these years that there would be no issues reusing them as long as the holes go straight through and are not elongated.
You likely know this but the new Busings have to go in in a specific orientation. See post #3. That is for the standard LCA bushing that have the aluminum sleeve. If you use the W126 Bushings you should find the instuctions for them to see if here is an orientation they need to have.

Because mine where so badly scaled with thick rust that after the rust was removed the holes were too large I got a used set on eBay.

Replace Front Control Arm Bushing

BirthdayBenz · #5 02-25-2017, 03:01 PM

The thinner part is on top when the arm is installed.

I put a caliper on it and it has a 48mm diameter all around on both sides, therefore not out of round/elongated. On its thinnest edge it has a 4mm thickness.

I'm using the w123 bushings. I've been following the FSM which did have a note about the orientation. I just recently picked up a paper copy

So I'm gathering the consensus is since the hole is not out of round the control arm is likely in spec and can be put back on?

ROLLGUY · #6 02-25-2017, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirthdayBenz

The thinner part is on top when the arm is installed.

I put a caliper on it and it has a 48mm diameter all around on both sides, therefore not out of round/elongated. On its thinnest edge it has a 4mm thickness.

I'm using the w123 bushings. I've been following the FSM which did have a note about the orientation. I just recently picked up a paper copy

So I'm gathering the consensus is since the hole is not out of round the control arm is likely in spec and can be put back on?

Using it has my vote.

Stretch · #7 02-26-2017, 01:52 AM

I was hoping to find a few pictures of mine - of when I did the job. I didn't add them to the thread...

How I ended up fitting the bushings to my W123 300D LCA

...there are comparable pictures in the old wikki though =>

PeachPartsWiki: Front End Suspension Rebuild

Was there a lot of corrosion on the outside of the LCA?

It does look a bit thin.

BirthdayBenz · #8 02-26-2017, 10:01 AM

This is a southern car so fortunately there is no corrosion on any part of it. I was able to loosen all of the suspension components with hand tools. I ended up putting it back in last night and should have everything buttoned up and the car back on the road today.

I would have considered waiting around and putting in a different one, but just learned that the banging in the rear of my other car (85 wagon) is because the strut came loose at the top mount and fractured the hydraulic line. I need something to drive to work this week.

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