How many nipples are there?
 

Hello,

my 1972 280se 4.5.

Question: How many grease nipples are on my car? I am looking and looking and still find new ones.
is there a official map for where they are? I am not able to find them all.

thanks for help.

cK

There are 7 on each front axle. There are two on the differential and possibly one on the driveshaft.

The ones on the front are as follows: top, middle, and bottom of kingpin (wheel side of control arms). The middle does the kingpin bushings the top and bottom grease the trunnion pivots where the upper and lower control arms attach.

The upper and lower control arms then also have fiitings that grease each trunnion type pivot (at where the arms pivot on the frame).

The concept of trunnion pivots versus control arm bushings is one for you to investigate. The difference is in how movement is accomplished. Anyone care to explain a trunnion??

Steve,

I've been under the impression for years that king pins and trunnions, etc. stay in alignment specs better than rubber bushings that wear, harden up and moosh out. For kingpins and metal bushings to function to such close tolerances, they must be lubricated once in awhile. Since MB quit putting that pedal on the floor that you mashed on to lubricate the suspension, owners became seriously negligent. Along with the cheaper manufacturing with rubber bushings, car owners enjoy less maintenance. As a mechanic I welcomed the switch, because it was always a PITA trying to get all 19 or so of those zerks to take grease. I specially hated doing 190s,220s, and 190SLs.

Peter