Problems with your rear...

[J.HIDALGO]

suspension, that is.
For all of you guys (and gals) that have replaced the rear links of your vehicles and still have noises problems coming from the rear. Take a look at your outer bushings from the rear lower control arm. I finally replaced mine this past weekend and they were rusted and, in one word, shot. They are hard to see since they are hidden from plain view by the lower control arm. I discovered the problem by accident, when I was changing one of the rear links a while back. You need a puller and it can be done with the wheel carrier in place or, if you don't feel like doing it yourself, ask your mechanic to check and change them for you, if needed.
You can make your own puller, which is very similar to the differential mounts puller but smaller.
The difference is amazing!!! Of course this is directed to all MB with the multilink rear suspension.
Just a suggestion!

[mikemover]

Hi J.H.,

How difficult was it to replace your differential mount? I think I need to do this soon on my SD... I'm wondering if I'll end up being sorry for tackling it myself.

Mike

[Ken300D]

Do you know if the inner control arm bushings are the same design as the outer? On my '87 300D, the inner bushings (near the differential) on the lower control arm squeek like crazy. I bought new ones but realize they are metal on the outside and have to be pressed in. Doesn't look easy. I think maybe even a hydraulic press is required.

Looking for any DIY hints on these bushings, even if its "Not-DIY".

Ken300D

[J.HIDALGO]

For Mike,
The differencial bushings were a bear of a job. It was discussed recently by another member in very good detail. Warning: It is work intensive for a DIY'er, even with the right tools, but not impossible since I did it.
For Ken300D:
The inner bushings are completly different from the outer bushings. However, they both have metal outside and they DO have to be pressed in or pulled in. There is a special tool to do it and, it is fairly simple once you figure how to use it.
You have to disconnect the rear sway bar links, the shocks, springs, and the lower control arm, of course.
You may want to do this if you are going to replace shocks, springs or the sway bar links since you already half way there.
My inner bushings were in good shape. Are you sure the squeeking is from the inner bushings and not the outer bushings or the sway bar bushings?
The symptoms I had was squeeking when I got in/out of the car. Loose feeling when going thru a small bump and/or slow speed braking.
I hope this helps!