Rear Suspension Linkage Help Needed
 

Hi All

Here is a pic of the right rear linkage:

http://www.eecg.toronto.edu/~raman/r...l_arm_bent.jpg

What is the arm that goes from A to B? It was bent, possibly because of a recent accident (see circled area). Does it need to be replaced? If it is not replaced, what could happen? Do these things need to be replaced in pairs?

What is the arm C? My mech told me the bushings were worn - is this apparent from the pic (see the left side of the arm)??



I am a novice DIYer, most complicated job I've done is replace front tie rods -See Here. I have a limited amount of tools, but am willing to buy more, as usual. Posters to my tools thread will know what I'm talking about.

So how hard is the A-B link? C?


EDIT: Car is a 1988 190E 2.6

In 84 MB started using multi link suspension. It is supossed to be better.
it looks from the picture that you have a toed in condition on that wheel. These suspensions require 4 wheel alignment and are adjustable. It probably would be a good idea to replace all the bushings.

My guess one is a camber control arm and the other a torque control arm.
Looks as if the torque control arm is bent

My guess if the camber control arm were bent that would be more of an issue.

I don't know enough about these things

So nobody is sure what part A->B in the pic is called? I think C is a thrust arm, is this correct?

if that smaller link is bent it should be fairly easy to straighten.

it can be taken off and straightened with a vice, using heat if necessary.

it should be readily apparent if it is bent by the way the ends interface in the slots they fit in.

is the car acting squirrelly when you get on and off the gas?

if so the bushes on the link c are prob shot. they are a wear item on 124s and are pretty cheap and easy to fix. when loose the car will act as if the whole rear end is about to fall off. (but it is not).

tom w

I'm not the primary driver of the car, but from what I can tell, no, the car is not acting squirrelly when I get on and off the gas. To be honest, I'm only interested in link C because my mech told me that the bushings were shot and the arm was pushing into the housing itself. I only noticed the bent link A->B while inspecting link C.

I'd prefer replacing both, cuz as you can see from the pic, things are pretty rusty down there.....

I've been searching on the web and am now 99% sure that link C is called a "Thrust Arm" but no idea what A->B is called....... The EPC is useless here because the EPC pic isn't clear enough to tell what's what - at least for me....

probably have camber, torque, track & thrust in order from top to bottom.
I can't tell depth and special position from the picture

OK, I'll take more pics in the next few days.

they dont look all that rusty to me.

tom w

The thrust arm - C isn't. But the A->B link (still not sure what it's called) has some rust spots, maybe it's not so apparent in the pic. I'd rather spend a little money, replace it, than buy a vise and propane torch to heat it and maybe break it......

This diagram will give you the name and part nos. of the components you are looking at. http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=201029%5F431&M=103%2E942%2C983&GA=722%2E409358&GM=717%2E435432%2C450&CT=F&cat=431 &SID=35&SGR=075&SGN=04.

Thanks, that helps.....

The part is called a Control Arm Strut that functions as a tie rod for the rear axle

Link to part in FastLane

It has a bolt with an eccentric washer and is used to adjust the toe of the rear wheel.

thanks, that's exactly what i needed - a translation... :) K, I'm ready to get the parts, now I have to figure out a way to get them into Canada.... thanks all :):):)

Last couple of questions:

1. Do the rear track rods have to be replaced in pairs? Cuz only one is bent. The thrust arms I'm going to replace both anyway......

2. What is the screwdriver/socket bit that goes into the eccentric bolt called?

3. Anybody know a good (cheap) online retailer who ships to Canada? MB Canada is extortionate in their prices, and US websites (incl. Phil) don't ship to Canada :(