Recommendations for W126 guide rod replacement
 

I just replaced my Right Side guide rod. And I wanted to help others doing this pita job in future.

I have read a few comments/ manuals on the forum but I am pretty bad with theory :). I am confuse with the may terms used for these parts....
It would really help if someone did write a manual to do sketches or diagrams and name the parts described.

In addition I replaced this very same guide rod only 7 years ago (40 K miles only), I used the Febi brand which I thought is decent quality... but obviously it is not.
I again used Febi...how stupid.... I can just recommend using MB parts here!

As I had done it before I thought this time it is easy....well it wasn't.
Even if I read a list of Steps #A- Steps #V..... I still don't get it.

Yes it is possible to replace the guide rod without removing the spring (thank god) but the down side is you need a spreader bar to push the axle carrier forward (as the spring is pushing the axle carrier backward) and you absolutely want to remove the rod itself from the axle carrier (both are connected through 2 steel cone donuts/ 2 rubber cone bushings and a 10.9 bolt.
You could remove the guide rod ball joint assembly with the rod in place (eventually) but you are probably not able to install the 'new' unit. I could not move the thread of the new unit easily because the ball joint is so tight ..as it should.

I recommend to remove the rod from the axle... I had to cut off the head of the connecting bolt and replaced the cone donuts and cone bushings.

As a spreader bar (for pushing the axle carrier forward) I used a hydraulic bottle jack with an extension.

Martin

I used a 10.00 ratchet strap, and pulled the assembly off the guide rod...

Hey yes.... you can pull or push the axle forward.
...but what these smart manuals don't tell you.
This is just a word of caution that someone might think this is a easy job. No it isn't.
Any bad experience with Febi guide rods so far?
I mean I am not thrilled doing this work every 40K miles.

Is the Mercedes part any different?

Martin