Control arm bushings

[Turbo190D]

The control arm bushings in my 190D are pretty bad. What is the difference between "control arm bushing" and "control arm to knuckle bushing"? These are the main ones that are bad. Is this the "control arm bushing"?

[jamraw]

Yes, those are front control arm bushings. I believe the rear control arm has the knuckle bushing. Best bet is to buy replacement Lemforder control arms​ that are complete with ball joint and bushings. You will need a Mercedes style spring compressor to accomplish the job safely.

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[Turbo190D]

Is it that hard to replace the bushings and whatnot themselves?

[Turbo190D]

Well nevermind, I think I see why you say that. Looks like that "control arm bushing" is about $50-60 to replace and the "control arm knuckle bushing" is about $15 for a Moog. Another $15 for a ball joint brings the total to around $90. Dorman makes replacement lower control arms with all that junk already on them for a little over $100.

[Junkman]

You will want the best bushings available if you don't want to do it again. Lemforder if available.

Bushings can be installed using threaded rod and washers. Fine thread worked better than coarse thread for me. Lots of discussion available. A spring compressor is also needed.

[Turbo190D]

I can't seem to find those Lemforder parts anywhere other than Ebay. I expect those to just be Dormans someone has put in a box with Lemforder on it.

It doesn't look like that hard of a job to replace the entire control arm. I found several places on various Benz forums of people saying not to buy the Dorman, but nowhere someone actually said "I bought one and it wasn't good" so meh. I'll be the Internet's guinea pig and give it a try.

[Mxfrank]

Just a tip: when they're that far gone, the bolt is probably rust-welded to the bushing core. You'll get all sorts of advice on home brew rust busting compounds, wrench in a can, heat, and so on. But the best way to do this, if you value your time, is to use a sawzall to slice up the arm, bushing and bolt. I've spent plenty of time on this, and brute power was the best method. All it means is that you'll need a set of camber bolts in addition to the new arms. And you'll save days of skinned knuckles and cursing.

I have the Dorman arms on my car at the moment. If you get them, you should repaint them. The geometry is almost perfect, but not quite. You may not even notice the difference.

[Turbo190D]

Cool, thanks for the advice. Did you take the existing paint off, or just paint over it with something better?

[Maxbumpo]

Ditto on the sawz-all advice. Harbor Freight sells a cheap version that is surprisingly durable.

Personally I would never use aftermarket here, as no aftermarket rubber bushings that I've heard of will last anywhere close to the life of the MB dealership parts. If you don't value your time and want to do the job again in a 3 - 5 years, go for it.

I've tried aftermarket rubber for engine mounts and suspension, and I have always regretted it. Please don't re-learn the lesson...

[Turbo190D]

I dunno. I just have a hard time thinking they're that much different. The vast majority of my truck is aftermarket, and it's been running fine for about 6 years now with all that cheap stuff on it. And I am not kind to that truck. It's seen a fair bit of airtime and gets beat on pretty hard.

I don't have a MB dealership anywhere near here anyway.

[Mxfrank]

I didn't touch the paint, and now I have an uneven coat of surface rust! Eventually I'll brush on some paint to prevent further damage.

I have no idea how long these arms will last. But even if they only last five years, I'd do it again.

[torsionbar]

Originally Posted by Turbo190D

I dunno. I just have a hard time thinking they're that much different.

Some folks learn from others' mistakes. Other folks like to learn the hard way. Sigh.

[Mxfrank]

Originally Posted by torsionbar

Some folks learn from others' mistakes. Other folks like to learn the hard way. Sigh.

Other than the paint, I have no complaints about Dorman. Bilstein arms are still available for 50% more.

[Junkman]

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

Other than the paint, I have no complaints about Dorman. Bilstein arms are still available for 50% more.

"50%" seems like a lot. Measured in dollars, it may not be worth the time to drive to a store and pay for a can of paint let alone buying primer and taking the time to spray.

[Turbo190D]

I always have a ton of spray paint laying around. I'll just throw a couple coats of Rustoleum on em and call it good. Rust isn't much of a concern in Alabama anyway.