UCL/sway bushings procedure help
 

.

hi guys

I have noticed that my upper control arm /driver side/ bushings
are bit worn so I would like to change those.

any info before I give it a try....should the car be lifted/unloaded and
can it be done with wheel off?

after the nut has been removed is the sway bar easy to unload from UCL
to exchange 2 bushings...or I need special tool?

thanks

p.s pic is not mine ..just as a refference

Not sure which car you are talking about, but it looks the same as a w123. Here is a link that tells you how to rebuild the whole suspension. PeachPartsWiki: Front End Suspension Rebuild

thank you
 

.

the car from the signature....thanks for the link!


.

I changed the two rubber bushings on the sway bar you point to in my 85 300D. If the spindle is disconnected as shown (not your car), there is no force on the sway bar, other than maybe a little twist from the rubber bushings of the UCA (can loosen that thru bolt to relieve). Even if the spindle stays connected, if you get the wheels at the same height, the sway bar should apply no force. What I might have done (years ago) is put a jack under the LCA of the wheel I was working on and jacked up/down until the sway bar applied no load, then slipped the UCA off. I don't recall any special tools, just a blunt screwdriver to pick out the bushing and maybe some a long bolt, nut, and big washers to pull the new bushings in. I think you can buy an LCA w/ bushings installed fairly cheap, so search first.

Important - before you tighten down on the bushings, get the suspension at the correct ride height, which you can do with a jack under the LCA if tire is off. Use a level to insure the front bumper is horizontal.

All the details of the Job can be found in the below links:
DIY Repair Links
DIY Links by Parts Category - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

PeachPartsWiki: Do It Yourself Articles - Mercedes Vehicles

The Sway Bar is easier to deal with if Both of the Lower Control Arms are at the same height. For me that meant putting both Lower control Arms on Jack Stands.

You will likely need a Tool to separate the Upper Control Arm Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle. It is easy to tear the Ball Joint Boot when you do that.