1975 Mercedes SEL Upper Control Arm Repair

[aluminum]

75 Mercedes 4.5 SEL
Anyone replaced their front " Upper Control Arm or just the bushings in it ?
My Front Left ( drivers side ) Inner Upper control arm bushing is shot .
I am thinking of replacing it but don't know if I unbolt it if the Parts will fly apart
requiring perhaps a Coil spring compressor to Remove and Replace it ?

The Inner end of the control Arm sits in a recessed area and it looks like to replace the bushing I may have to completely remove it from the Car ?
Not sure ? {Perhaps I can just unbolt the Inner end and pull it outward and
replace the bushing ?

There is an Inner Bushing /A Outer Bushing / and an Upper Ball Joint in the Control Arm . Only the Inner Bushing looks worn .
I could just replace the entire Control arm as well

Anyone done this Job ? I don't know if I need special tools to do the job or not ? If I do, perhaps I should just have an Alinement shop do the Job ?.
Any Help appreciated

[daantjie]

Just replace the whole upper control arm as a unit, 123 330 46 07 and 123 330 47 07 for RHS and LHS respectively. Get Lemforder only or original Benz parts. You have to unload the front suspension to do this job, not too hard but indeed any tyre/alignment shop can also easily do this job. Also replace the rubber bearings, 116 333 01 17, 2x per side.

[daantjie]

Also join the W116 Org online, great resource for the 116.

[aluminum]

Originally Posted by daantjie

Just replace the whole upper control arm as a unit, 123 330 46 07 and 123 330 47 07 for RHS and LHS respectively. Get Lemforder only or original Benz parts. You have to unload the front suspension to do this job, not too hard but indeed any tyre/alignment shop can also easily do this job. Also replace the rubber bearings, 116 333 01 17, 2x per side.

Thanks for your reply
But how ? Do you " to unload the front suspension " as you mentioned ?
The Post was to find out about this .
(1) Do I need special tools ?
>>>> and if so what are they ? <<<
(2) How about if I just replace the Inner bushing ?
Can I just remove the 1 Bolt and pull it outward and slip in the bushing then push the control arm back in place and bolt it up ?
But how ? Do you " to unload the front suspension " as you mentioned ?
The Post was to find out about this .
WHAT SPECIAL TOOLS ? A COIL SPRING COMPRESSOR ?
(1) Do I need special tools ?
>>>> and if so what are they ? <<<
(2) How about if I just replace the Inner bushing ?
Can I just remove the 1 Bolt and pull it outward and slip in the bushing then push the control arm back in place and bolt it up ?
Or am I dreaming and it's not that easy ? and I need special tools too ? what unload the front suspension as you said ?
I would like to do the job myself but not sure what's involved Thank You for the reply > any more detail appreciated
Or am I dreaming and it's not that easy ? and I need special tools too ? what unload the front suspension as you said ?
I would like to do the job myself but not sure what's involved Thank You for the reply > any more detail appreciated

[rumb]

You *might be able to replace the upper cntl arm without removing the spring. A spring compressor would certainly make it safer. If you dont feel safe then have someone else do it. You def dont want to be hit with a spring.

Jack up the bottom a-arm to remove pressure from the top. Then remove the upper ball joint that is part of the upper control arm. you will need a tie rod end/ball joint puller to do this.

Leave the shock absorber attached as it will somewhat increase safety.

Then it is all fairly easy to remove and replace as a unit along with the other bushings for the torsion bar.

this link shows the parts and torque specs - even though the job listed is for the torsion bar. You can clearly see the parts involved.

https://cdn.w116.org/cd/Chassis/32-300.pdf

replace all the parts - if one is worn out then everything else is. Do both sides of the car.

for further help please join w116 dot org as there are more ppl there to help.

[aluminum]

Originally Posted by rumb

You *might be able to replace the upper cntl arm without removing the spring. A spring compressor would certainly make it safer. If you dont feel safe then have someone else do it. You def dont want to be hit with a spring.

Jack up the bottom a-arm to remove pressure from the top. Then remove the upper ball joint that is part of the upper control arm. you will need a tie rod end/ball joint puller to do this.

Leave the shock absorber attached as it will somewhat increase safety.

Then it is all fairly easy to remove and replace as a unit along with the other bushings for the torsion bar.

this link shows the parts and torque specs - even though the job listed is for the torsion bar. You can clearly see the parts involved.

https://cdn.w116.org/cd/Chassis/32-300.pdf

replace all the parts - if one is worn out then everything else is. Do both sides of the car.

for further help please join w116 dot org as there are more ppl there to help.

Thanks Rumb
This Am Early I removed the control Arm was easy .
1 loosened Ball Joint Nut and jacked up the arm it popped right loose
2 simply removed the other 2 Large Bolts and out it come
( is a allen to Loosen so that one of the bolts will turn )
Best news is I got the parts ordered from Amazon for only $16.01 Each
compleat with ball joint I got the last one added some food and got free shipping .
I see the 116 dot org thanks they are vintage tho yes ? no 116's here ?