I jacked up my car the other day by the diff so the rear wheels were hanging, and saw the left rear, front subframe mount has delaminated off the centre shaft, it`s only droped and inch in the jacked position and looks fine when all the weight is back on it, my question is how hard is it to repace and can it be done from underneath.

Sorry it`s an 87 300e duh!

[Edited by georgehifi on 07-07-2001 at 03:15 AM]

Hi George:

Sorry to piggy back this message to yours but I changed my rear control stabilizer bars and saw the same problem on my 87 260E. The dealer told me that I needed to drop everything back there to replace the bushing. If that is the case, might as well change all the bushings while everything is off.

Mine is making some ugly creaking and groaning noises.

Can anyone confirm this diagnosis.

Aloha,
Eric

Has`nt any one out there done this, i hope ESTA`s wrong as that looks like the worlds worst job, think i`d rather take out the motor!

I've done it...
 

I dropped the whole subframe and replaced all the bushings using a hydraulic press in an '86 300E. It took four leisurely days working by myself. It's not terribly difficult or complicated but it is alot of work.

There is probably a special tool to press the bushings in/out but you'd still have to lower the subframe enough to get the tool and bushings in/out. I'd say either way it's still a ton of work.

Hopefully one of the techs will have a better answer for you.

It is probably you rear subframe bushings. There are four. The bottom ones are probably deteriorated. It is not an easy job , so I have heard. I plan on doing my 190E soon. I have tackled the water pump, which has ben a hightmare for some, and I can see why. Mine went ok because I could afford to have the car down for a while. If you have the will you can do it. It will be celebration time when your done.

Hi All:

I am getting a picture that we need a special tool to do this job? Can anyone confirm.

Aloha,
Eric

My 190E is in the groaning club too, in the back end on the drivers side... How much is this job at the dealer???

Any of your experiences would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks boys!!!

Mike McKinney

Shyne, I took my 1990 300E to the dealer to check on cost of replacing all four rear subframe mounts. It took me about 5 minutes of arguing to convince these two yo-yo Mercedes certified mechanics that a 300E actually had subframe mounts. Then they couldn't understand why I wanted them replaced. When I finally got them focused on why I was there, which was to get a quote, one said that it would probably take several hours to do the job. Needless to say, I thanked them and went home without ever asking that hourly rate.

Must be that I'm missing something. I looked at mine again today and it just didn't look to be that difficult. Can anyone explain what's required to drop the subframe?

I replaced the rear subframe bushings on a 260E just a couple of weeks ago. The job paid me 5.5 hours. It took about two. It's hard work but nothing but hard work. It does'nt take a rocket scientist to do it.

Hey Stan:

I got quoted 14 hours book time at $125.00 per hour. Is this true? I know you said 5.5 hours. Did you need a special tool to get to the subframe bushings???

Thanks in advanced for your help.

Aloha,
Eric

There is a special tool to remove the bushings. It costs about $110 to $130 depending on where you buy it, but Performance has it. I just did the rear end bushings on my 300E about three weeks ago (Front and Rear). The bushing are very inexpensive from the parts shop on this site. I started the job and realized that it was more involved than what I was comfortable with. I took it to my mechanic and it cost $237.00. I did not buy the special tool, he used an air hammer instead. Everything worked out great and the differece is tremendous!

I'm going to make my own tool to press out the bushings in the subframe. I decided to do it myself because I first tested the bolts that fasten the subframe to the body and the broke loose with ease. I am going to have a plumber friend of mine cut me pipe that the bushing will be pulled into by the nut bolt and washer thrust piece with a flat piece of heavy metal on top to press the bushing out. Some grinding and cutouts may be required on the pipe for it to sit flat on the subframe. I need to get my web cam working and I willpost pictures.

All you have to do is insert the bushing far enought to get the bolt started and then tighten the bolt and it will pull into place or just position a jack under the subframe and jack the frame up and it will push the bushing in.

Stan your the man! what about taking the old one out, is that easy, any tricks there too?

I just lowered the subframe one end at a time and knocked them out with an air hammer.