W126 front swaybar R&R - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-28-2002, 02:54 AM

My uncle's wisconsin 86 300SDL's front swaybar end snapped off on the passenger side. How difficult is it to put a new one in? Any pointers? Thanks!

Kebowers · #2 11-03-2002, 10:33 AM

Been there, done that. Found one end one my 82 500SEL (Euro) corroded too much for my comfort-- I cleaned, measured, calculated, and then got smarted about it and didn't like the thought of what would happen when/if it snapped. In 'salty' areas of country, the end rubber bushings should be removed every spring and the end of the sway bar cleaned and repainted.

Not a technically challenging job, just LOTS of time and things to remove. EVERYTHING in the space between the two firewalls must come out--EVERYTHING--including the fuse box.

No other way to get it in and out. Get a clean used one from a 'recycling' yard cheap

haasman · #3 11-03-2002, 02:02 PM

And be sure to replace the rubber bushings while you are there.

Billybob · #4 11-03-2002, 03:58 PM

I thought I read a past thread regarding someone who opted for machining of a new end peice that is welded on after cutting the damaged end off, rather than the time consumming (12 hrs. removing all things on the firewall) replacement of the entire rod. I thought that the new suspensin bushing could be slipped on from the ends (Use K-Y Jelly) and slid into position on a loosened rod. The suspension bushings might have the be cut/split to fit? Good Luck!

haasman · #5 11-03-2002, 09:37 PM

Billybob

I remember seeing a thread about someone trying to do a weld job on the front swaybar, but it takes a lot of load. That would make me nervous.

As far as the bushings, they are a pain, but are something that can be wiggled out. They are already split from the factory.

gidpor · #6 11-04-2002, 03:04 PM

As far as the bushings, they are a pain, but are something that can be wiggled out.

But can the new bushings be wiggled in ?

This is of real interest to me. I was led to believe they cannot . I was told you need to pull off the fuse box and master cylinder in order to do the driver side sway bar bushing(real labor intensive). the right side is more straight forward. My 126 is Euro and there seems to be a bolted mount for the bushings on either side, so it seems you need to get there to undo the bolts. I would love to learn a short cut if there is one. Please explain further.

thanks.

haasman · #7 11-04-2002, 05:31 PM

Yes.

I replaced the bushings on our past 126 body, without removing the sway bar.

Its a bit of pain, you'll need some prods and patience but you can definitely do it. The bushings are held-in by U-brackets that are held down by two bolts, if I recall correctly that are attached to the body.

Take the U-brackets off, this gives you "some" play to wiggle the big rubber bushings out. A little silicone lube would definitely help.

gidpor · #8 11-05-2002, 04:41 AM

I guess I should have explained myself better - My question isn't whether one needs to actually remove the sway bar ,to do the bushings.
Rather is there a short cut ( I thought you implied that ) getting to these U shaped brackets in order to undo//redo the bolts without having to remove the Fuse Box and Master Cylinder...

thanks.

gidpor · #9 11-07-2002, 04:35 PM

Hassman,

Any light you might be able to shed from your 126 experience regarding my previous post ?

I am hoping still for a "short Cut" in the R/R
of the Sway Bar Bushings.
thanks in advance

haasman · #10 11-07-2002, 06:39 PM

gidpor

It was several years ago, I don't have a 126 any longer, but as I recall the battery side was easier. If I had to remove the battery, that isn't such a big deal. On the fuse box side I believe I detached it, but didn't remove it completely. This gave access to the the U-clamp underneath. I do remember that it took some time and was a pain. BUT, not as bad a job as some had told me.

After getting both U-clamps off, I pulled on the sway-bar by reaching inside the fender to get enough clearance under the bar to get the old bushing out. There is a plastic dust shield, I believe, that covers where the sway-bar goes from the inner fender area into the engine compartment.

The bushings just don't flop out. They are well seated and I had to use maybe a long handled screw driver to "convince" it to pop out.

BTW, I jacked the car up, but only a little bit by the center cross-bar. Jacking one side only will create a twisting which would be hard to fight in trying to get the rubber bushing out.

Let me know if this helps.

gidpor · #11 11-11-2002, 11:00 AM

Sounds like I will wait to tackle this during the holiday season, when there is more time.
thanks for now.