108 front subframe mount question

[kpb]

Hey all, I have my replacement mounts in hand, just have not devoted the time to tackling this job. I have virtually memorized Mike Tangas' DIY and expect that will greatly ease my burden

My query -- I know each of my mounts is torn, ie., the rubber is separated from the steel portion of the mount. Thus, even though they do not seem "squished" as is typical with 32-yr-old rubber, and the handling seems tight, I gotta fix 'em. Now I'm wondering, is the shuttering I get at 85mph and which increases noticeably to 100mph a product of the torn mounts? My tire wear indicates alignment is pretty good, dunno how well the PO had the tires balanced. Under 85 it's smooth as silk.

kpb

[MikeTangas]

Very well could be. I had the same shudder at the same speeds, plus some serious wandering at cruising speed. All went away with the new mounts.

Remember - one side at a time, work slow and think it through.

[kpb]

Thanx Mike. Mandatory alignment thereafter, right? Oh yeh, duh, shuddering...

kpb

[MikeTangas]

Roger that on the alignment. Also, before taking it in for the alignment talk to whichever local indy you trust, find out who he sends the oldies to for alignments. Chances are if the indy farms out to them they know how to align a 108.

[kpb]

Roger WILCO, MT (aka Sharpshooter )

[gerryvz]

This is one of the best things you can do as far as improving the overall tightness and smoothness of the car. As adjunct projects, I'd be sure to also replace the two motor mounts, transmission (rear) mount, as well as the flex disc, rubber bump stop "mushrooms" and front shocks. Your car will be like a brand new one -- you won't believe the difference with new chassis rubber !!

This subframe mount job ought to take 1/2 to a full day for a DIYer.

Good luck and post the results of your endeavor. I did all of the above rubber (as well as all hoses and rubber in the engine compartment) of my 6.3 last winter and kicked myself for waiting so long to do it.

Cheers,
Gerry

[kpb]

Thanx for the encouragement Gerry. I did the flex disc and tranny mount last Dec. right after I purchased the car. (had no choice on the flex disc )
I considered doing the shocks but the Bilsteins feel really fine and this is a lo mi. (45K) ride, so, I dunno. I intend to replace my front brake hoses whilst I'm under there so I'll try to pick up the other pieces you mention -- makes sense.

kpb

[JMela]

If we're applying collective peer pressure regarding the replacement of rubber 108/109 bits, don't neglect the rear dif mount and rear subframe mounts. A good job after this front subframe mount r & r. Mine were pretty scary - a real lesson in the integrity of 30 year old rubber.

On these jobs it's always satisfying for me to take the decrepit old part and line it up by the new one about to go in - don't ask me why.

[kpb]

Yeh, Joe, I remember your thread on the rears. Think I'll plan that as a winter/garage project. Y'know, I do the same part comparison on the new vs. old

kpb

[gerryvz]

Originally Posted by kpb

I considered doing the shocks but the Bilsteins feel really fine and this is a lo mi. (45K) ride, so, I dunno. I intend to replace my front brake hoses whilst I'm under there so I'll try to pick up the other pieces you mention -- makes sense.

kpb

My own 300SEL 6.3 only has 56K miles on it (original) and I replaced the shocks. They're relatively cheap (around $100 or a little more per) and seeing as you're down there and all, it's the time to do it. ANYTHING that is a wear part that's 35+ years old, deserves to be replaced.

My 6.3 can be seen at: http://homepage.mac.com/gerryvz/PhotoAlbum13.html

It is for sale if anyone is interested.

Cheers,
Gerry

[wbain5280]

Gerry, your 6.3 is awesome.

[BoneStock]

Talk about shameless advertising....

[kpb]

You got that right Bonestock -- Comandeering my thread just to tempt us all into looking at his ride BTW, I suppose I'm not the only one here who is considering selling a few of my less-vital organs to raise money for the 6.3?

[gerryvz]

Originally Posted by BoneStock

Talk about shameless advertising....

Advertising, yes. Shameless, well maybe.

But my original premise, that replacing the front subframe mounts & chassis rubber, can and will have a significant effect in one's enjoyment of the car.

And another note to all 108/109/111/112 owners. If you own one of these cars, and you do not know FOR SURE that your front subframe mounts (not to mention motor and transmission mounts, flex discs, etc.) have been replaced within the past 10 years, I will GUARANTEE you that your car needs this done. Thats not a bet, or an estimate, or a guess. It's a fact.

Now, back to my new premise

The 6.3 is still for sale. All real offers above $17,000 considered.

Cheers,
Gerry
[shameless advertiser extraordinaire]

[68_Mercedes]

Can someone please be kind enough to post the link to the "directions" of removing/installing the new subframe bushings? I will be doing mine late next week.......