New Rear Subframe Mounts... Rekon How Much?
 

Well, my beloved 300D isn't riding as nice as it used to. Being almost everything else is new or replaced, the rear is starting to feel like jello. I suspect it's the subframe mounts. Does anyone know how much something like this goes to fix? Of course, the dealer claims its the rear sway links, and wants about $250 to do this job... Thanks guys!

I would start with the sway bar links. Do it yourself or take it to an indy and it will be way less than $250. They will make the car track MUCH better.

Rear subframe bushings are approximately $75.00. Swaybar links are about $7.50/ea.

You can look at the links to determine if they need replacement; and, the subfrme bushings should be replaced "on principle" if they're more than 10 years old.

Subframe bushings aren't hard to replace...normal hand tools, a couple of jacks, jack stands, a prybar and a spray can of Pam.

Replace 'em, you'll be glad you did.

I agree on the subframe bushings - this is one of the highest payoff jobs you can do - the tracking at speed and around turns is suddenly like new again. On the links - I can't imagine even a dealer charging $250 for this job - or rather, I can't imagine a dealer with a conscience charging that. Even if you don't DIY, you should do your own sway bar links. If you can change a tire,you can do this job. I didn't notice any difference in the ride when I did my links, but it did stop an annoying rattling noise that I used to have.

Well, besides the poor ride and lousy noise I get with worn subframe mounts and sway bar links, am I causing any damage to the car? I'm going to have it all done, I just want to know the urgency of it all. I will be driving the car back up north for good, just want to make sure I'm not hurting much on the 1500 mile trip. Thanks in advance!

Well, its incremental, so over a given period of time you can't say there's any damage to be worried about... but if you let 1,500 miles become 15,000 you'd be putting an additional strain on the other suspension components. With shot bushings, you end up getting some steer from your rear wheels, so you end up making many many more steering corrections. I imagine emergency handling suffers as well.

$250 sound about right these days...

Mercedes dealerships charge extra for older cars. So, figure $125/hr X 2 hrs- sound right for a dealership.

Does the rear of the car look lower? Rear subframe mounts are noticeable. Replacing worn endlinks make a big difference. Check the rear wheel bearings and lower control arm bushings too. All these will make the car not track straight at speed.



Michael