124 rear wiggle, jog, lurch.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

babyjames · #1 11-15-2009, 10:06 PM

Posted this yesterday on Diesel Disc., but then realized there are more gassers than diesels, in this case.

Here's the original post:

Man, this thing is starting to frustrate me! Subframe bushings?? They look suspect. The PO did NOT take care of this car. Let everything get so bad it wore everything out in the rear end.

I've replaced control arms 202 350 02 06 (lower center, or LCA), 210 350 33 06 (upper front), 210 350 34 06 (upper rear), 210 350 38 06 (lower front) on both sides. They were definitely all either shot, or getting that way and I have noticed improvement each time I replaced some (did this in stages, used new hardware pretty much everywhere - kept the hex bolts in places where it was tough to get the triple square bit into, re-used bolts were of appropriate diameter).

The diffy bushings are bad, what's left of 'em. I'm thinking the ones on the subframe are too. Lurches (sways, swings, jumps, call it what you will) when on the brakes, when going over a bump which quickly loads then unloads the rear suspension, and when accelerating hard, especially uphill. One important note, the problem is worse when there is weight - cargo, passengers, fuel - in the rear. Did the upper rear and lower middle on the R side this morning and then went out for a cruise with my four-year-old. Everything was pretty cool until we stopped for fuel. With 3/8 tank, I was feeling pretty good about myself. At 3/4 the a** end starts jumping! AAARRGGHHH!

Most logical next step? I'm leaning toward front rear subframe bushes. How hard - possible?? - without the press? I'm looking at Samstag right now!

Any input/help totally welcome! Why is the problem worse when there is more weight in the rear of the vehicle?? I think that is the key (I've been wrong many times before, though).

Jay.