Replacing front subframe mounts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sjcruiser · #1 08-12-2004, 05:34 PM

Hello all,

I'm tackling the front subframe bushings this weekend (soaked with PS fluid - front driver tire were worn on both outer lips); but not sure if I should change the guide rod mount or not ? How do I tell if the guide rod is bad ?

Any comments are appreciated! (I tried to do a search but the feature is not working)

Thanks,
Frank.

psfred · #2 08-12-2004, 09:10 PM

Surely you mean front control arm bushings -- I didn't think that the W126 has a front subframe...

Guide rod mounts I would replace anyway -- they are going to go sooner or later, and since you must remove the guide rod from it's mount to remove the control arm, why put it back on old ones?

You will need a Klann type internal spring compressor to hold the spring -- you CAN remove the control arm without it, but I don't consider doing so safe at all.

Peter

sjcruiser · #3 08-12-2004, 09:42 PM

Peter,

By saying front subframe mounts, I meant brake support bearing carrier bushings. FSM cd states only pushing of the front control arm is needed to remove the bracket so I guess I'm ok here. I'll take your advice and throw in new guide rods as 200K maintenance then

Is the sway bar end bushing easy to replace ?

Thanks again,
Frank.

psfred · #4 08-14-2004, 12:50 PM

Id only replace the giude rod bearings if they are bad, requires removing the spring, etc, and they rarely die. The bushings (at the rear) are a maintenace item for all intents and purposes.

Sway bar end bushings aren't bad, but the body mounts are.

Peter

gidpor · #5 08-14-2004, 02:44 PM

I'll try using the terminology I came to use while researching/rebuilding the front end of my 126.
The 126 does have front subframe mounts -they are also called front bearing brackets ( and bushings). They can be replaced without removing the front springs.
Replacing them changes and improves ride quality in an aging MB.
The track rod mounts can be replaced at the same time if they are defective.Like psfred says, since you are there, you might as well replace the track mounts at the same time. They effect tracking/braking - not ride quality.
The guide rods themselves cannot come off the lower control arms with the spring in place.The (front) bolt holding the rod is hidden under the lower spring mount, which in turn is held in place by three bolts.You can only get at these by removing the spring.
You need to do the same(springs) to remove the lower control arms -
need to do that in order to replace the LCA bushings.Those do effect ride quality(at least I found that to be the case) and were very tough for me to replace, until I found a press. You can just keep going with the front end until you do it all. I spent several months doing it. worth while in a big way.

sjcruiser · #6 12-21-2005, 07:12 PM

Hello all,

It's been a while, I finally had some time to work on this. I've already had both brackets out and rebuilt with new front & rear bushings, and new guide rod bushings, torqueing bolts on the backing plates per specifications (35N.m)

Now as I tried to re-install them, I don't seem to have enough clearance to re-thread the mount to the passenger's side guide rod. How do I push the control arm forward to do this? With the vehicle on the stands, I tried to pre-load the lower control arm using a floor jack but still don't have enough clearance.

Unsuccesful with the P. side, I decided to work on the driver's side first (enough clearance here). However, I could not manage to turn the guide rod mount using an open end wrench (did not rotate). What did I do wrong here? Any ideas?

Any tips are greatly appreciated as the car has been disabled for weeks now.

Thanks,
Frank.