I'm trying to replace the left rear wheel bearing on my 1987 300sdl. the problem is i can't get the axle to compress enough to come out of the bearing housing. I have jacked the car up by the frame and let the trailing arm hang down all the way but I still don't have enough travel in the axle. any suggestions?

Mike Ulmer

You'll probably have to remove the brake line and remove the upper shock mounting nut. This will allow the trailing arm to move downward another 2-3" or so. At that point, the trailing arm is on the subframe...........and you should have sufficient room.

Ok thanks. I'll try removing the shock nut and see if that gives me more travel.

Mike

Make sure you support the trailing arm when you do this.........or you'll be in for a nasty surprise...........if you can even move the nut on the top of the shock.

Also, the brake line will be stretched to it's limit and possibly damaged if you don't remove it prior to lowering the trailing arm after the shock nut is removed.