Lower Control Arm Bushings
 

I have the lower control arm out on my 560sl. Does anyone know how to get them out. Burn/Pry/Pound/Curse or all of the above?

Steve

I think they have to be pressed out and the new one pressed in. I had to replace mine on my 140, I took it to a machine shop and they did it for me. I am not too sure about the 107's, but if it is hard to get out that is what I would think, and banging or prying could damage or bend your control arm. Good luck!
Brian

Pull out, Press in....
 

I used the bolt to work out the outer side. You might want to use something like a rod or pipe for leverage. Use gloves and clamp the arm in a vice. I pushed a pick between the bushing and sprayed some PB Blaster (pennetrating oil) to help them slide. It helps a lot.

I have a one ton hand press to press out the inner ones and press in the new ones. I think it is possible to do it by hand as well. If you have a big vice you could use that too. I think the manual says to push them in one at a time. Press in the outer and use it as an anvil to press in the inner ones. Use Syl-Glide (silicon grease) on the bushings prior to pressing them in.

Steve,

Thanks for the response, but I'm not clear on what you're recommending. As far as I can tell the LCA bushings have to be pulled out since you can't hit them from behind?

Steve

What I mean is to put the bolt (or whatever shaft) into the center of the bushing but not deep enough to contact the inner bushing. Then force the bolt at an angle to deflect the bushing. You may, at that point, be able to get a screwdriver between the bushing and the arm. Spray fluid. Deflect it the opposite direction and do the same. You may be able to get gooseneck pliers on the edge of the bushing but you won't be able to pull it out. I pulled the outer sleeve out of one but left the inner one. Keep "working" the bushing with the bolt back and forth and it will come out a little each time. It does take time and is quite a pain in the butt, but it's the only way I could get them out. This is harder to describe than demonstrate.

I hope this helps.