W124 rear suspension link replacement procedure?
 

After researching the archives, I'm sure that the rear thrust(? the ones that run diagonal) arms on my 300CE need replacing (along with getting a good alignment). There is alot of info in the archives pointing to this solution, but what is the procedure for doing it? I can't imagine any part that needs to be that tight (when properly aligned) to be that easy to take off or, more importantly, be easy to put back on. :confused: But, many here sound like they've replaced the links themselves.

Any special tools needed? I'm an average DIY'er and if it's on the order of doing brakes, as far as skill, I'd like to give it a shot (letting a professional do the final alignment, of course :D ).

Thanks in advance,

There are a couple who have made it a DIY project. As I recall, tools needed included a spring compressor. There was an issue with the new arms having serrated torx bolts onstead of hex heads if i remember, and the bolt diameter being slighty different and requiring a sleeve. I decided I wouldn't want to do it, especially as my tech would know what to look for while inspecting the rest of the bushings, mounts, and subframe goodies while he was in there. I will try to find the back postings in the archives later today and attach them.

Back again! Do a search under 'thrust bushing'. there are 11 different threads from people that installed their own, started and then had a tech finish, etc. They discuss tools and techniques, and problems encountered. hope this helps.

Thanks! I'll search again, but most I found was on diagnosis, rather than actual procedure, but, I'll check again.

Would the procedure be on the W124 CD-ROM? I can borrow one from my co-worker, or ask him to look it up.

The interesting thing about the search is that exactly what threads come up depends on which words searched for, and some times even which order the words are entered.

When I searched 'torque arm replacement' or 'control arm bushings', I got more threads, but not some of the ones in there. Searching 'bushing install' gave all kinds of bushings. The exact words 'thrust bushing' gave the 11 threads with the most installation info, IMHO. 'rear bushing install* replace* has a good link called 'mystery suspension bar' as well.

The Boolean engine (and, or, not) on this search function doesn't seem to work as well as others, I have had the best luck just stringing the words and using the * symbol.