Are control arm bushings pressed in
 

I'm changing my control arm bushing on my 1991 190E and the bushings aren't comming out. I know suspension parts are really tight and need a lot to un-do them, and some are a press fit, which means I can't change them by hand. So I was wondering if these are pressed in.

They are usually pressed in, what bushings are you replacing?

Daddi, I had to buy my white Mercedes, too. But I still named her "Pearl" (which of course was Janis' nickname).

You can get a nice ball-joint/bushing press kit at Harbor Freight which will do the job on just about all the bushings, except the lower ball joints.

DG

you have to take a cold chisel to them and knock them out from their collars, in total there are 4 bushings per arm - you would require 2 pipe sockets between a vise or very hard threaded rod and nuts to push the new ones back in. They take some grunt, use a coating of ajax to help. You will need to notch the sockets with a file as to not tear up a little raised collar on each bushing.

Before this - you will need to either chisel out or grind out the inner sleeve tube that locks both bushings in place. originally the factory tool has a bullet shaped nose that expands that collar to lock the bushings tight. You can try to use a wheel lug for this purpose.

Be sure to note the little pimples on their edges, the new ones should be assembled in the same way. They make up for the bushings to act soft or hard.

I guess I'll have to wait untill I have more time. It also looks like I'll have to take the wishbone out of the car which means dealing with the spring.

If removing the spring you MUST use the mercedes type plate+central screw spring compressor. The MB springs are under much higher tension than most cars and will break/fail a normal style compressor and can kill you. They are also in at a slight angle which adds to the danger with a normal compressor.

I have some outboard style spring compressors I used to change the McPherson shocks in another car and the shocks in my 190E, which didn't need to have the spring removed. Would they work taking out my 190E spring?

Jim,
I've done front end rebuilds on both my 124 and my 126 and I would NOT under any circumstances use that type of external spring compressor on the MB springs. As was stated earlier; these springs pack a huge punch and could kill you if not respected. You really need to get your hands on the recommended compressor. I don't want to scare you off the job; because it's not that tough, but you have to have the correct spring compressor to do it safely.
Additionally, those controll arm bushings are really in there. You need a big hammer and a big chisel. applying some heat to break them free will help, but watch for the burning rubber fumes (toxic). My buddy who is an MB mechanic would actually burn out the rubber with a torch making the pressed in sides easier to bang out with a hammer and drift.
Hope this helps,
Out