My 300CD sat in my garage for about six years. I started driving it a bit again, and started noticing at slow speeds, sometimes I was hearing a squeak coming from the left rear. Thought it might be the shock, but traced it to what I believe is the subframe bushing. I’ll need to do another test, but I think I can feel the vibration in the subframe “holder” (the metal item that bolts to the bushing and to the floor).

I had a look. This is the right side:



Here is the other side. Pics weren’t great.





The rubber all feels good, the ride is soft and compliant, Lifting the side doesn’t result in the subframe hanging or lowering. I took a video:

https://youtu.be/w3H9OwnPoQo

It is pinched, I guess due to a bad lift placement or something. But I’m not sure that would be an issue. If I put my hand on it when moving like in the video, I can feel the subframe moving a bit. The bracket is solid, but it’s bolted to the body in two places.

So any ideas? I’d hate to replace a bushing just to find it was something else. I am thinking of spraying it with silicone oil and seeing if it quiets things. But I’d guess the rubber separated from the metal.

Any other thoughts or recommendations? I don’t recall if it’s possible to press these in without dropping the entire driveline and subframe. Thanks!

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
2008 ML320 CDI (199k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)