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  #1  
Old 10-06-2013, 03:42 PM
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Sway n' shake

Hey guys, so here's my problem.

I have the "constantly driving in the wind" feeling in my car. I've done some searches and found that there seems to be definitive cause of this but I'm wondering what the cheapest, easiest, most likely cause it. Basically just point me in the right direction. I've replaced the sway bar bushings and that's it. No change though. The old bushings were still hard and not swollen.

Also, at high speeds the car does shake a bit. I daren't take it above 70 because with the combination of the sway and the shake it's just kinda freaky. The shaking can be felt lightly at 60-65, but it's not that big of a deal at that speed. It's at 70+ that it becomes an issue.

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  #2  
Old 10-06-2013, 04:07 PM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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There is a link on the rear suspension with a rubber bushing which perishes fairly quickly. When bad the car feels as you describe. Its not expensive and not too hard to change.
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..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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  #3  
Old 10-06-2013, 04:51 PM
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I think Tom is referring to the rear sway bar links. My w124 wagon does the same thing. I swapped out the rear sway bar links (based on suggestions here) and in my case it didn't help. But perhaps you will have better luck. It is a really easy job.

Lift the car, remove rear wheels, remove old part (2 bolts), insert new part, etc. etc. There was a plastic cover that had to come off part of the suspension, and that took the most time for me.
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  #4  
Old 10-06-2013, 05:57 PM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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No, on a 124 there is another link which goes mostly forward from the bottom of the wheel carrier. This is not a sway bar link but I'm not sure of its name.
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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  #5  
Old 10-06-2013, 08:07 PM
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Locater bar

That's what Tom is referring to. I had the same problem on my 92 300e and replacing it cured the problem. I bought one on line for under 40 bucks.
Ken
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  #6  
Old 10-06-2013, 09:22 PM
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Awesome, thanks for the replies. I did a search for parts and found sway bar links as mentioned (but not a likely candidate for the fix right?), but I didn't find anything for locator bar.

Other rear suspension parts that came up in my search were support arm, thrust arm and tie rods. Might one of these be the part that you're talking about?
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  #7  
Old 10-06-2013, 11:11 PM
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Here's one reference -



Here's another reference -



I don't have a dictionary to translate the diagram to the part number list.

In my experience, the torque arm/pulling link is the first to go, BUT tired subframe bushings are what cause the rear axle to have a mind of its own. If the car's a keeper, overhaul the rear subframe - links, subframe mounts and diff mounts - once and likely for the rest of the car's service life with you. Don't forget the carrier bushing where the hub carrier attaches to the LCA.

Sixto
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  #8  
Old 10-07-2013, 12:14 PM
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Item number 5 in the first drawing was the culprit on mine. My indy called it a locater bar.
Ken
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  #9  
Old 10-07-2013, 12:36 PM
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Hmmm
I've worked on the subframe of 3 different station wagons, and none of them have the aluminum bar...

I'm currently rebuilding the rear subframe on Jay_Bob's 87TD, and I've got it all out of the car, if you need pictures of anything...
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  #10  
Old 10-07-2013, 07:05 PM
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My car exhibited a similar issue after I replaced all four tires. It drove smooth until past 60ish and then it would wobble back and forth in the lane. I used snow tires in the rear and all seasons in the front. After replacing the driver side ball joint and tightening the passenger side wheel bearing the wobble is now gone. Just my 2 cents.
-Cheers
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  #11  
Old 10-07-2013, 10:44 PM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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The one I am familiar with is part number 5.
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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  #12  
Old 10-08-2013, 12:34 AM
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Possibly helpful threads

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/300339-mercedes-w124-rear-suspension-guide.html
and
Pelican Mercedes-Benz Tech Article - Replacing Your Rear Multi-Link Suspension - Mercedes Benz - 190E, W124, W126, W201, W123

I believe the w201 and the w124 had similar suspensions, which is why I included that second link.
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My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).
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  #13  
Old 10-10-2013, 03:52 PM
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Thanks again for the info guys! It's helping a lot. I just need to get around to doing something. Whatever it is.

I will put in though, that this problem started after I got some new tires. Similar to what CarpeDiem said.

The pictures with actual names also help a lot. I guess I'll go jack up the car and visually inspect things to try and find the culprit. Then I'll if I can't tell I'll try the most common culprits.

Thanks guys! I'll post results when I have them!
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  #14  
Old 10-11-2013, 11:15 AM
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I purchased an 85 300td wagon 4 yrs back ,thought I would have no problems driving 30 miles on the return trip,well after reaching 55mph I started to run over some imaginary waves in the road surface ,much like a boat going over another boats wake at low speed ,broken front shock was the culpriet.
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  #15  
Old 10-11-2013, 02:26 PM
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My recommendation, if you are going to keep the car and do the work yourself, replace all rubber bits in the back in one fell swoop. Cost is around $400 in parts.and you have the peace of mind knowing that its done.

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