Are these in desperate shape for replacement? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

azitizz · #1 03-13-2010, 05:13 PM

I got some more pictures here of rubber bushings that I wonder if they are in desperate need of replacement or is it something that can look worse than it is.

What would you call these parts while I'm at it? just in case I need to replace them. Looks like it could be a serious job but perhaps it may be a matter of getting a good lift and the right size wrenches?

JHZR2 · #2 03-13-2010, 05:46 PM

absolutely replace them, they may be safety hazards. dont your tires wear crooked?

Carpenterman · #3 03-13-2010, 07:13 PM

The first picture is your strut rod bushing. The second is the lower control arm bushing. It looks like your ball joint is shot, too.

All of these jobs require that you remove the spring using a special tool. There is also a special tool for replacing the lower control arm bushings and one for the ball joint. You might want to check the upper control arm bushing and ball joint for wear at the same time. That takes a pickle fork if you are buying the whole assembly. It's above the tire in a pocket of the body.

Your tie rods and steering idler bushings may also be bad.

snookwhaler · #4 03-13-2010, 07:20 PM

I have been in a few junk yards and I have never seen a Front Guide Rod Mount worn that bad yet. I have seen worse LCA bushings. But those are pretty bad too.

Looks like you are do for an overhaul. If you wind up pulling the LCA's to do the LCA bushings... Might as well do the LBJ's while you have it out. Especially since the boots are checking.

How does the car drive?

Diesel911 · #5 03-14-2010, 12:07 AM

Below is that part that you cannot see from the outside. Over the couse of 3 days the top of my Wheels went inwards.
The rubber inside of the Control Arm Bushings has acctually sheared in two. It is supposed to be one piece. You pivot on the elasticity of the Rubber. When the Rubber got stiff enough it sheared in two.

azitizz · #6 03-16-2010, 03:26 PM

OK, so I'm planning on ordering everything i may need to get things up to snuff. Im still a bit unfamiliar with part names while I'm ordering. I want to make sure I dont order something I dont need or the wrong part altogether.
Are the ball joints the joints that are pictured in the first picture but to the left?
The car seems to be driving fine but I guess if these parts are in poor shape that could change in a matter of seconds!
And the front guide rod mounts, these are picture in the first picture? I thought carpenterman said they were strut mount bushings, or is this same part with different name?

MBeige · #7 03-16-2010, 03:40 PM

The ball joints seem to be bad too (bad boot could let moisture/water in, rusting it out from the inside). Might as well replace...

Guide rod bushings - you have 3 (assuming this is a w123). The main strut rod mount ($50ish) resides on the lower outside corner of the firewall, on the inside part of the chassis frame rails. This is an old photo, but it shows where the large strut mount is.

The front mounts are actually two, the guide rod itself is sandwiched between the two rubber mounts on the lower control arm. That makes it harder to replace...

tobybul · #8 05-04-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

The ball joints seem to be bad too (bad boot could let moisture/water in, rusting it out from the inside). Might as well replace...

Guide rod bushings - you have 3 (assuming this is a w123). The main strut rod mount ($50ish) resides on the lower outside corner of the firewall, on the inside part of the chassis frame rails. This is an old photo, but it shows where the large strut mount is.

The front mounts are actually two, the guide rod itself is sandwiched between the two rubber mounts on the lower control arm. That makes it harder to replace...

Anyone know where to get the rod bushing thats just below the coil spring? fastlane does not seem to show it.