Strut?

[yal]

What does mercedes mean when it says "rear pushing struts are worn" on a W124. Is this one of the multilinks or the actual shock absorber.

[Michael]

Do they mean "strut bushings"?? Otherwise this makes no sense.

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

[revbond]

A "pushing strut" is one of the four or five multi-link members of the rear suspension. As you might guess, there is also a "pulling strut." Some of the multi-link elements have bushing which are replaceable; I don't believe the pushing strut to be one of them (i.e., when the bushings go, you will need the replace the entire pushing strut element, which is not so difficult to do).

John

[Benzmac]

Revbond is correct. Don't forget you will have to get an alignment when done.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

[CMuc]

Benzmac, Can these "push struts" cause a loose rear end feeling when you go on and off the gas at highway speeds?

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Chris Muc
Auto Tech
'87 300E 330,000 km

[Rick Miley]

CMuc - my name's not Benzmac but I can answer you on this one. A bad strut on my 300E caused exactly the feeling you describe. I was able to swing the rear end left and right using the gas pedal - very scary. I identified the bad bushing by jacking the car up and pushing the wheel around with my hands while looking at all the links. Bought the link for $35 mail order and replaced it myself in 1/2 hour. Put the car back down before you completely tighten the link and then get an alignment as Benzmac says.

P.S. Obligatory plug, they sell parts here!

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Rick Miley
99 E300 TurboDiesel
87 300E
86 190E 2.3