Who Changes the Front Axle Crossmember Bolts on the W126?

[ekisgen]

I have done a search and have not been able to find out anything on the ". . . self locking (micro-encapsulated) and should be replaced" bolts that hold the front axle crossmember in place. This is the piece that needs to be removed from the car before the torque converter drain plug can be removed on the W126.

My question is this: Have any of you replaced these bolts with new ones after changing your transmission fluid? If so, where could a guy find these parts? If not, do you just torque them down to 45NM as MB directs?

Thank you all for your time.
Prost!
Eric

[Fisherman]

You can just get some locktite and dip them before installing however I think if they are torqued to the proper torque I am not certain why anyone should be concerned. Maybe becauise they hang "down" or screw in from the bottom...

I replaced mine when I did my brake support rods because they came in the kit. All they had was some basic locktite type of material on them.

I'd probably go with the locktite just to be sure since they must have had a failure and therefore make this specific point in the repair manuals.

[JamesStein]

The bolts that hold the mount for the differential on a 123 are the same. When I dropped my wifes they had blue locktite on them. So I put more blue locktite on them when I put them back.

[wbain5280]

Last weekend I changed the trans fluid on my W126 300Se um, non diesel, and by using a really wide catch basin I didn't need to drop the crossmember. You really don't need to drop it but the oil will drain over the front and back and splatter. The drain bolt in the pan was tough to get out. The hex hole started to round off a bit so I used a torx to get the plud out. I needed a new plug so I got one and put it in. You might consider suctioning out the oil to save you the trouble.

[ekisgen]

Thank you for all of your replies. I will be replacing the fluid with Amsoil in the 300SD this weekend. I will just clean up the bolts on the crossmember and then use a little locktite before torquing to spec.

Side note: I just replaced the rear shocks with Heavy Duty Billisteins. . .man are they good! I think I am going to have to get back under there, though, and replace the coils sometime. I would like the rear end to be slightly higher than the front (kinda Hot Rod like).

[P.E.Haiges]

ekisgen,

Put some screw in wedges in the springs. I use them all the time because I carry heavy loads in trunk.

I'd use air shocks but I never found any for a MB.

P E H

[ekisgen]

Put some screw in wedges in the springs. I use them all the time because I carry heavy loads in trunk.

Where would I find these and how would I be able to install them?

Thanks,
Eric

[P.E.Haiges]

ekisgen,

You can buy the wedges at most auto parts stores.

I call them screw in wedges because you turn them into the springs by using a 1/2 inch ratchet wrench. The wedges have a 1/2 inch square socket in them for the 1/2 inch square drive on the ratchet.

Take the load off the spring and put a little grease on the wedges for easier installation.

P E H

[Brian Carlton]

Originally posted by P.E.Haiges


I'd use air shocks but I never found any for a MB.

P E H

Now that is what I want to do for the SDL. It sits about 1 inch low in the rear, even when fully unloaded. You can imagine the result with weight in the trunk.

I have looked at this site:

http://www.performancesuspension.com/TruckAirSuspen.htm

It would seem that they have a comprehensive lineup of air suspension bags and compressors. With a suitable length and diameter measurement it should be possible to find a suitable match for the SDL, even if they do not formally offer it. I need to speak to one of the retailers to see if they might, just might, have a brain.

[P.E.Haiges]

Brian,

I sent Air Suspensions an e-mail. If I get an answer, I'll tell you what it is.

P E H

[Brian Carlton]

Thanks PEH, that would be excellent. I'd love to put air bags on the SDL with a controller at the driver.

[ekisgen]

P.E.H.
Thank you answering my question. I'll look for some of these at the parts stores around here. . .including NAPA. I'll let you know how it goes.

I think one of the W126 gassers would make a really cool hot rod. Get as much tire in the rear wheel-wells, custom make some headers, dual exhaust, euro headlights, good paint and pin stripe. Thing would look unique. I wonder what one of those V8s would sound like un-corked?

[P.E.Haiges]

Brian,

I got an answer back from Air Suspensions: "No listing for your application ('80 300SD)".

So they are just a dealer, not a manufacturer or custom builder.

P E H