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

__________________
1980 300TD-T (82 Turbo and Trans) 159,000 Miles "Jackie-O"
1983 300SD 272,000 Miles "Aristotle"
1987 Jeep Wagoneer Limited - keeps the MB's off the ice and out of the snow
1994 BMW 530it

" 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

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

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

__________________
1980 300TD-T (82 Turbo and Trans) 159,000 Miles "Jackie-O"
1983 300SD 272,000 Miles "Aristotle"
1987 Jeep Wagoneer Limited - keeps the MB's off the ice and out of the snow
1994 BMW 530it

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

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

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

__________________
1980 300TD-T (82 Turbo and Trans) 159,000 Miles "Jackie-O"
1983 300SD 272,000 Miles "Aristotle"
1987 Jeep Wagoneer Limited - keeps the MB's off the ice and out of the snow
1994 BMW 530it

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

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!