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Subframe mounts / bushing & engine mounts replacement
RandyA's 'piece 'o cake' writeup was so good, it prompted me to tackle this job on a 1984 380SL with 84,000 miles. I encountered a few differences but nothing major. Here's my experience.
1. Remove sway bar
2. Jack up the FRAME on one side of the car and support FRAME with jack stands
3. Tension the subframe and remove brake line (where steel line meets rubber line), plug it, catch the dripping fluid and unfasten shock mount BOTTOM end
4. Remove both subframe mount bolts
5. Remove engine mount bolt (10mm hex socket head bolt)
6. Lower subframe and pry out the mounts (mine were very easy to remove) Don't be disappointed if the mounts APPEAR to be in good shape. If you carefully compare them to each other and to the new ones, you will observe big differences
7. Install new mounts, raise subframe and install the bolts. Leave bolts very loose (engage 4-5 full threads)
8. Reattach shock mount BOTTOM and lower the subframe
9. GENTLY raise engine under the pan (as called for in the Service manual) It's hard to believe the pan can suport such weight/force. I used a 2x4 to distribute the force across the pan
10. Remove engine mount (two 6mm hex socket screws); right engine mount was so compressed (1/2" SHORTER than the new one) I thought the new one might be an incorrect part. Pay attention to right side and left side mounts. The look very similar to each other.
11. Install new engine mount and 2 screws and lower the engine; tighten all 4 subframe mount bolts and 2 engine mount bolts once the other side mounts are installed
12. Reattach brake lines and bleed.
13. Reattach sway bar
14. Enjoy the NEW ride and handling
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Jim
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