Front end bushings

[rsl007]

Although I do most routinework on my 98 E300D, 67,000 miles, I have never changed front bushings, ie on the sway bar and control arms. Is this a job for the pros, or is it easier enough for someone competent with tools to attempt. I have a rumble and subdued knocking from the front on rough roads, and my MB dealer service man put it on the lift and said it is most likely the bushings. They can't do the job for a month, and so I am itching to try it myself.
Another question is does my alignment change with new bushings?
Another question:....if I leave the probably worn bushings alone, will serious damage occur?
Thank you for any advice.
Richard

HI,

Here is a thread with some information on front end bushings

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=43907

I've heard some people say that you should have an allignment whenever you mess with front end pieces (R&R). I would tend to agree, going through tires can get expensive.

Not sure about your car, but getting the control arms off and on can be a dangerous task if you need to remove the springs (use correct spring compressor). Sway bar bushings should straight forward and fairly easy.

Not sure if you need a press to get your control arm bushings in??

I would do a search on the subject, this has been written about many times.

Good luck,
Joel

[rsl007]

Thank you, Joel. I'll check the thread.

Richard

[william rogers]

if you are going to do sway bar bushings might as well do upper control arms ,buy the whole arm it comes with bushings instaled as well as upper ball joints instaled and it not a whole lot more than the control arm bushings themselves if it's similar to 126 front end.......
William Rogers.......

[tvpierce]

I agree with William. When I did the front end on my 190E it was actually *cheaper* to buy new control arms (with bushings and ball joints already installed) than it was to buy the parts and have them pressed in to my old control arms -- even with me doing the removal and re-install of the control arms.

IMPORTANT: Definately heed the warnings about the springs on these cars. It is a safe job with the proper tool, but it can be extremely dangerous without. I, literally, had a brush with death when one of my spring compressors (not the right tool!) let loose and grazed my head. I got off easy with three stitches and a black eye. Imagine what *could* have happened! Frankly, I'd perfer not to.

So my 2-cents: tackle the job if you feel comfortable with it. But please benefit from my *incredibly stupid" mistake -- and be safe.

Jeff Pierce

BTW: With the new bushings, the ride is like "buttah"!