Lower control arm bushings - not round
 

So , I'm replacing everything on the 300d, the new lca bushings are not perfectly round - the fsm doesn't mention this nor have I been able to find it here. I found the question posed, but no answer. Do these bushings need to align to anything, or each other even, when I put them back into the control arms?

I would say, considering the work involved in removing the CA, if you have it out, I would just replace them on principle. My .02

I am replacing them. Is there a required direction to orient them in the control arm? They are rubber ellipses, not circles like the opening in the control arm.

I should have read better. Sorry...:o

If I remember correctly, the flat of the bushing is supposed to align with the spring perch.

Edit:

Section 33-520, Reconditioning of lower control arm.

2 part bearing:
3 part bearing:
Do not use oil or grease during installation. FSM says to use Slide fluid.

http://www.pauldrayton.com/uploadfiles/merc/Service/W123/Main.html

Danny

What is slide fluid? KY? :confused:

Thanks Danny.
That is exactly what I needed. I guess I didn't read far enough into the FSM - I stopped at removal of the arm and expected the information there. Thanks again.

Your welcome....no worries.

I don't know what slide fluid is. If it was me I would use WD-40.

pictorial
 

See my thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=179284&highlight=pics

Post #9 & #10 talks about orientation

Remember to install the lower control arm bushings with the flats of the bushing in parallel with the control arm (just stop and think for a second what type of motion the inner bushing is trying to prevent on that side of the control arm – the arm being yanked in and out of the chassis mount).

Uh oh. Did you not mark the eccentric bolt before you had it off? You will certainly need a realignment. Start with the stern on the bottom. Make sure you don't torque them down before you put weight on them.

That is what I used and it works great. Some auto parts places also carry assembly lube. I believe the intention is a temporary lubricant that will ease assembly but eventually dissipate in order to keep the rubber bushing in place.