230TE Rear Axle Rubber mounts

[turnipsock]

Has anybody replace the four rubber mounts on a rear axle of 230TE?

I looked at the manual and this looked like a straight forward job and would be finished in no time at all.

The manual doesn't mention doing this job with the self leveling suspension however.

Do I need to disconnect the self leveling linkage that connects to the wishbone, before I drop one side of the axle? (I would disconnect it but it's rusty and it's going to be a heck of a job)

 

[turnipsock]

I've disconnected the self level thing now.

I've hit another problem now.The port side stern most mount seems to be stuck and I can't get the axle to drop. It looks like it has siezed on from years of use. Any thoughts on getting this off?

 

[pascal]

Are you going sailing today Turnip.

I think you mean the rear most mount, on the left side.

I suppose a good spray of WD40 or diesel, left overnight. If you have access to an impact air tool great; but if not, a tap of a hammer on spanner whilst asserting pressure on the stud should release seizure.

Pascal

 

[turnipsock]

Basically, there is stud, which is part of the body, that the rubber mount slides onto. The securing bolts came out easy enough, it's just that the rear mounts won't slide off.

I have proper easing oil, which I can get on target. I can get hold of the metal part of the rubber mounts and I still can't get either of the rear ones to move.

The weight of the axle is on them and they still won't move. There is also the pressure from the rear springs pushing on them as well. You would think they should just fall off.

If I want to get in to see what is going on, I would have to remove the petrol tank!

 

[turnipsock]

Eureka, the port side mount is off.

I disconnected the hydralic pipes from the body. This allowed a bit flexability when working near the pipes. I managed to get a lever in and it dropped. The rear most mounts seem to be an ideal place for small stones and junk to sit, which is probably why they get stuck.

I should be able to improvise tool 201 589 10 43 00 (unless halfords have this in stock)

What is it with the MB special tools, there is always one that is a really a big spanner. It's there in the requirement list but never gets mentioned again! I can see MB mechs saying to their boss, "I can't do this cos I don't have the special 19mm spanner"

I have only ever bought the dash pod removal tool before and this was pretty cheap...my guess is that the special tools will be cheap as it's really for the dealers and MB don't to upset them.

 

[turnipsock]

...another boring update...

Front bushes are out now and the source of the problems found. It looks like these have been replaced before...badly.

The port side bolt was only able to go in about six turns cos somebody had forced it in on the wrong thread previously. The problem I had was that the car was OK normally but when you turned a left bend hard the back end would suddenly clunk and things would get scarey.

The right hand bush also had a lot of movement, but this just seemed to be due to wear.

I'll need to retap the chassis points, I think it's a 12mm but does anybody know the pitch (it's the same as the wheel bolts). I might need a helicoil.

I might try doing the rear ones as well though it might be tough without the proper MB tool. I could probably get them out, but getting them back in woud be tricky.

Are these bushes subject to problems?

I am sure my rear end will be a lot tighter in the future.