I think I've researched every thread possible on this and related subjects but I need help from anyone out there that may have encounterd this problem.

PROBLEM:
MY 85 300D (136,000 miles) has a rear allignment issue that appears to be isolated to the right rear (Passenger) wheel. The car is dog legging with the left front of the car out to the left of the right rear. The inside of the right rear tire is wearing significantly ahead of the rest of the tire and left rear tire is also wearing on the inside but not as bad. This RR wheel also sits back approx 1/2 inch further to the rear of car. I had the allignment checked and all wheels were well in specs except this right rear, which is cocked slightly out away from the car, causing the problem. For you allignment experts, Toe specs for this RR wheel has Specified Range of -0.01 0.66 degrees, and it came in at -0.91 degrees. I next had the car frame checked out at a reputable body shop which measured the unibody every way possible and was advised the frame is straight. Neither the allignment shop nor the body shop could find and tell tail signs of accident damage. The body shop thinks the RR trailing arm could be bent and just not noticable. He suggested changing the trailing arm next.

I just took a tape measure again to car got exact same distance from jack hole to jack hole on each side, but I did find an additional 1/2 cm or approx 1/4 inch longer distance on the right side of the car from the front jack hole to the center of the large bolt into the rubber bushing at the front of the wishbone that screws vertically into the underside of the chassis, and forward of the rear jacking hole.

So, here are my questions and perhaps one of you folks that frequent this site have had this same issue and can steer me straight. I'm trying to avoid any larger task than necessary.

1. Has anyone had this issue and what was the cause?

2. Althought the trailing arm busings appear to be OK from a visual check, and I really can't see much of the bushing at front of the wishbone that is held in place with a large bolt and additional bracket, could worn bushings on that side cause this much of an issue, just from age etc. Should I start with replacing these three bushings? Or perhaps just the one at the front of the wishbone?

3. Has anyone encounterd a damaged/bent trailing arm that appears to look perfect?

4. If I attempt to change all three bushings on that side, should I attempt this repair without pulling out the entire rear axle/suspension assembly.

5. Havn't yet checked the host of this site for bushings, but if they don't have them, any suggestions where they can be obtained other than from the dealer?

Looking forward to any responses, or if you want, private messages.

Thanks much,
Thoroughly confused.