C36 Rear bushes and rear shocks

[C36amg_]

Hi All,

Does anyone know where I can get some information on the C36 rear suspension set up? Apparently my rear bushes need replacing (£1000 quote from the dealer) and I could "do with replacing" my rear shocks (£220 each plus labour quote from the dealer)

I think the rear shockers were bilstein HD type and I have contacted eurocar parts who can get the parts. I just want to make sure they are right for my car.

On the subject of the rear bushes I am not worried about getting my hands dirty and changing the bushes myself and then taking the car for a geometry check but again I just need to know what to buy and I'm struggling to get any information about the rear suspension setup for a 1996 C36.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Greg

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
I have just had some rear bushes replaced on my AMG, there were four sub frame mounting bushes, normally the only the front ones go, these cost if memory serves about £50 each, and an hours labour each to fit, the other bush that is prone to wear are what is called trunnion bushes there are two one each side and are behind and the bottom of the hub assembly, these were about £20 each and about 40 minutes aside to fit.
You do have a number of suspension arms each side as well these on my car are still good at 160k but are only about £20-25 each with new bushes and just bolt on/off.
I have Bilstein shocks fitted to mine bought from ECP no complaints at all better than the originals.
I would,nt even entertain having these sort of jobs done by a main dealer, I use one of several good Indys to do my work, nearest one to you I can recommend is Olly at PCS in Horndean, very well thought of amongst MB owners.

 

[C36amg_]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for posting back so quickly. I'm going to order the shockers from EPC this morning.

I need to sort out my fuel sender too so I'll do that whilst changing the shockers.

The information on the subframe /suspension bushes was really handy, would you recommend changing the suspension arm bushes when I change the sub frame bushes and have everything apart?

Thanks again.

Greg

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
The suspension arm bushes just inspect them and replace if nesaccary, but if you replace one of the arms one side replace the same arm on the other IMO. Also be aware that regarding geometry on the back none of the bushes I have spoken about will require the geometry being checked, one of the rear arms is what adjusts the rear toe, through elongated bushes.
But think carefully about doing the bushes yourself as having witnessed what is involved/required to remove/replace the front sub frame bushes and the trunnion bushes, I would not attempt them myself, unless I had access to a two post ramp, air tools, hydraulic bush removal tool.
But I think my first job would be to get exactly which bushes are gone.

 

[C36amg_]

Thanks Andy, I've heard people say before that with suspension and brakes and the like that if you do one side its good practice to do the other too which makes perfect sense.

I'll definitely have a good think about doing the bushes myself or not as although I like to have a go at things I don't want to bite off more than I can chew!

Thanks again,

Greg

 

[bigasotonuk]

Incidently for info the rear set up on a C36 is not significantly any different to any other 202, regardless of engine size, its only the spec of the coil spring and shock absorber, and the brake disc and caliper though I believe your rear brakes are only the same as a C280.