I don't get it!: Bushing too short
 

I installed a Meyle and it was too short. I then got a Mercedes brand and that one too was too short. All vendors have assured me that those bushings are for the correct application and fit. Do you think I have one of a kind suspension bearing for my W126?

Notice how the rubber never reaches the outer edge
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/IMG_7818.jpg

At least 5 mm of clearance
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/IMG_7814.jpg

Notice the difference in height between the new and old
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/IMG_7643.jpg

The inner metal ring is the same height though.
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/IMG_7640.jpg

The old one had thicker and wider upper and lower lips
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/IMG_7642.jpg

http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/w...g/IMG_7641.jpg


What is it that I am doing wrong? Those vendors are reputable but I am known for my flakiness so I know I am doing something wrong. Help!

you seem to be doing everything right but it seem that t he part isn't the correct size. I think it will be OK the way it is though.

Notice that I didn't remove the other bushing because the new one for that side is short too. These bushings have the correct part number and the vendors swear that they are compatible.
Remember that the short end where the rubber isn't reaching the end of the "dogbone" is what goes against the chassis. I would hate to install it with no rubber in between. This will also allow splashes of water to reach from the top and corroding stuff while pooling in this ill designed groove. That will destroy the chassis at that point and no wonder I have seen many pictures of people with that area shot to hell. Once there is nothing to grab there you might as well scrap the car unless you weld in a whole new chassis rail in place.

thats correct!!! Those are the incorrect bushings..

whats the part #

Please do!

whats the part # you have

I found

front:
126 333 54 14

Rear
126 333 33 14

I will have to go to my workshop in the basement. I will post part# later this evening.

According to the MB EPC, those are the "bearing" numbers for a 126045 SEC and a 126039 SEL. Those are the right part numbers.

I'd bolt them in and fuggetaboutit.

Mike R.

Those are the same part numbers. I just can't accept the fit!:(

well if thats what the dealer gave you then just put them in.

Looking at Greg's AMG picture on BenzWorld, it doesn't have any rubber sticking out of the top of the dogbone and there is a small (1/8"?) space between the aluminum dogbone and the chassis steel. As you know, if there is a space there, then the rubber can let the "bearing" steel core move in relationship to the dogbone aluminum casting, which is all that is supposed to be happening.

Wish I was home, I could measure some for you, but I'm in southern AZ. FYI, the picture is a factory picture from somebody's parts web site. It shows the rubber about level with the top of the dogbones.

If I could get it leveled then I will accept that but until then I think something is wrong.

The last time I did something like that I managed to:
1. break a strut tower on my 190E... Brand new! When I ordered another set, the fit was different and it has been in the car ever since.
2. Not getting a good seal between the cat converter and the exhaust manifold on the 190E after I was told it should fit but to this day the car howls when I pass 50 mph.
3. Do you want me to list what I was told I should install in the 190E to make it not stall? Yeah, it's still stalling!

Yesterday when I took the dogbone to an independent Benz shop to press a new bushing that ended up too short as well he proposed that for $1,000 he will redo my suspension bearing and include a diagnosis on the 190E. What do you think?

I think the guy is trying to take you.

Give me a call if you'd like. I'm in AZ and it's only 7:30pm.

Mike 702
494-8056

Thanks Mike, it was nice talking to you on the phone!