107 sub frame mounts...

[revray]

I had my front wheels off on my 1979 450SLC and discovered that the sub frame mounts (I think that's what they're called) are deteriorated and need to be replaced. Can anyone give me instructions and help walk me through this repair?

Thank you,

[DZLPWR]

From what I understand the kit is only about $45.
The Hayne's manual (the only thing I have) says to have the car level on four jack stands and attach a cherry picker to the engine and have a floor jack under the engine. Unbolt the four sub frame mounts and lower the engine about an inch to remove the bushings.

I haven't tried it yet, but need to.

76 450sl 230k
87 300SDL 275k

[DZLPWR]

today I got started. I jack the car up, removed the front wheels with the car frame on the jack stands. I remove the front shocks and disconnected the front swaybar. With the floor jack under the subframe I removed one of the four subframe bolts at a time, but before proceeding to the next bolt I screwed the remove bolt in a few turns. After doing this to three out of the four I carefully lowered the subframe and exposed the first of the four worn bushings. After removing the bushing and replacing the bolt, I moved on to the next of the four bushings.

I'm now waiting for the new parts ($48 with shipping).

I did the removal and plan to install the new parts without the use of a cherry picker. The Haynes method of the cherry picker doesn't seem to be nessary. Maybe it's an extra safety precaution if the floor jack fails (that's why I left three of the four bolts lossly connected). If I had a cherry picker I'd use it to speed up the process. I have found the Haynes manual to be informing, but not always correct.

[revray]

Congratulations! Sounds like it's moving along well. Please keep us up to date on your progress.

Thanks for posting,

[ken juul]

I can't remember where I read it, but I think it is fairly common practice to also replace the motor mounts when the subframe bushings are done. Access is much easier. Perhaps that is the reason for the cherry picker.

[DZLPWR]

The subframe mounts are done. Three of the old ones were warn, but in tack. The fourth was in several pieces. The fourth was in the left rear position next to the power steering box. That is the power steering box with the fluid leaking from the pitman arm. The subframe mounts don't like power steering fluid, so now the steering box has been removed and I'm waiting for the seal kit.