My 83 300D passanger side rear control arm ( part that shocks & springs attach to) is rusting out and needs to be replaced soon. I'm having problems finding a procedure of how to remove and install a replacement. I'm just trying to get my mind set with the right tools before tackling this job. Any help would be appritiated.

Good total descriptions in the archives. All the detail you want. Very long post to descibe totally. Check around underneath for other more serious structial rust just in case before you start.

Thanks for the reply. I've done a search but maybe asking the wrong question or wrong part. Any suggestions?

Maybe this would be a good time to buy a CD Factory Service Manual.
Mercedes does not list a CD-ROM shop manual for the 300SD but the 300D version will at least have the same engine (617.952 in the 300D, 617.951 in the 300SD). The 300D manual is QL-6516-5610-02 for $19.99. Shipping was $6 to my address.
http://www.classictechlit.mbusa.com/MB/default.asp?catalog_name=Retail&cookie%5Ftest=1

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I've done it, with help from this site. Dmorrison has written several excellent articles on the various topics.

Do replace the trailing arm bushings, and prolly the subframe mounts, too- I could not remove mine in one piece.

some search terms I'd try

replace rear trailing arm
replace rear wheel bearings
rear shocks
rear subframe bushings

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

My rear trailing arms on my 84 123 wagon are in good shape...but I would like to replace bushings...(I habe rebuild entire front end, sub frame mounts, drive shaft flex joints and center bearing, etc., so I am very experience with this kind of work)....

Can the bushings on rear trailing arms be replaced without removing the trailing arms or compressing the springs, or do I have to tear the whole thing apart to get at these bushings.

Thanks,

Mark

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)

Bushings, no IIRC you have to pull the whole arm just like the LCA in the front.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

The rear springs are not as strong as the front ones and are easier to compress. However, there is less room to position a Generic type spring compressor.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I did mine w/ no spring compressor.

It seems that I read someone doing the trailing arm bushings without removing the arm, I think its possible, but not nearly as easy as w/ them out.

I used a length of 1/2 all thread,big fender washers and a 1 1/4 pvc pipe fitting, as i recall, to pull the old bushings and press in new.

if you have sls make sure to unhook the line to the strut before dropping it.

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.