Lower control arm bushing
 

While I have not yet purchased the new bushing kit, it seems to me that the design of the bushing, puts rubber to rubber and therefore I would guess a fair amount of friction. The MB manual doesn't spec out any lube for it. Am I not seeing something or will the new part make it more clear?

I would have thought there would be some type of bearing to allow for smooth rotation. While pulling mine it did not operate smoothly at all.

Don

" While pulling mine it did not operate smoothly at all."

That is what's known as a worn out bushing. When new the rubber is very firm and stiff. This gives enough support to the LCA mount and any rotation that goes on about the mounting bolt.

The large rubber bushing sitting in the middle of the lower control arm unit and the large bolt that goes thru the middle is all you need. Now for assembly you might want to use some silicon spray to help you press the bushing into the LCA. Otherwise once you have it together you will not need any lubricant.
A press is also helpful in getting it together.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38335

Dave

Thank's!

I was going to HF for the ball joint press anyway, good to know I can use it for the control arm too!

Don

BIGRED
Do a search on "front end suspension rebuild." I did a complete rebuild with detailed ranting about it a few months back and posted all the techniques about it.

Dave

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=60560&highlight=suspension+rebuild

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=60964&highlight=suspension+rebuild

I have the new 3 piece part in front of me. If this thing is assembled dry, then it looks like it will eat itself alive. rubber to rubber and steel to steel friction. If designed better it would have bearings!

Thanks
Don

The rotation is minimal -- only about 25 degrees or so, I'd guess.

They normally last 200,000 miles or longer, or 30 years (the ones on the 220D up front are still OK).

Hard to argue with that.

Use Sylglide or dishwashing detergent (straight, no water) to lube the bushing going in.

Peter