New Member with 560 SEL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GradyService · #1 09-15-2006, 11:34 AM

Hello, I recently bought a 1986 560SEL, and was wondering how hard it is to change out the front lower ball-joints, and the rear 'air cells' accumulators for the Hydramat suspension. I have a small service center (that works on mostly older american cars and trucks) so I have been able to do all of my mechanical service and repairs (Valve Cover Gaskets, Trans Filter and Fluid, Oil Change, Plugs and Wires) so I am hoping that I can do these services as well. Also I have no blower in any speeds

, so I assume that the Blower Motor is shot. I ordered the MB Service CD's and it doesn't appear to be too hard to replace, but I have heard that some of the W-126 chassis had an inline fuse installed to circumvent the OE in the fuse box. And my radio system has had a Sony CD Headunit installed by the previous owner, and every few months it seems to blow a fuse. Should I replace the 8 Amp with something stronger?
Thanks, Dave

MikeTangas · #2 09-15-2006, 12:22 PM

The accumulators, rear "air cells", are a piece of cake. Should only take about an hour and a hald working slow. Lower ball joints require the Mercedes specific press, although some have reported success using a gernic type. When you see the angle the joints set at you'll see why the MB specific press. In fact, when I rebuilt my front suspension the job of pressing in the new ball joints was the only job I farmed out. Took the steering knuckle to the indy shop with my new joints and paid an hours labor to have them pressed in.

The blower could very well be the fuse. Fuse my be bad but look good, or the fuse may be good but the fuse box burned (common problem). There is a MB authorized fix which involves installing a remote 30 amp fuse. Very easy job and the remote fuse unit costs about $35.00. Only took me about 15 minutes to install in the dark.

GradyService · #3 09-16-2006, 02:34 PM

Well, I was just trying to figure if you can remove the front end knuckle assembly without too many special tools, if that's possible then I would think about letting a indy shop in Wilmington press the new joints into the knuckle. Also is it complicated to install a front driver dash speaker? I replaced the blower fuse in the box, but there wasn't a fuse there to start with

, so I assume that somebody has installed a remote fuse and I just have to find it. Where are they commonly mounted?
Thanks, Dave

MikeTangas · #4 09-17-2006, 01:19 PM

The remote fuse is normally located on the left inner fender well. The lead is about 16 inches long, should be mounted with a couple self tapping screws. It will have a flip top lid and the entire unit is black.

As for pulling the steering knuckles, the safest way is to use the MB specific spring compressor (the generic ones will not work). You can do it without one, but you have to take extra precautions. The procedure has been covered many times on these pages. Other then that it doesn't take any special tools.

Can't help with the speaker...never had to do that. But, I believe it should be a simple matter of removing the grille cover and using a stubby screwdriver.