Hot to replace W210 ARB drop lilnks and bushes

brandwooddixon

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2006
Messages
3,863
Reaction score
683
Location
Wolverhampton
Your Mercedes
S63 Coupe 2014
Its a common problem with W210s, especially for areas infested with speed calming measures, your drop links will become worn, resulting in knocking from the front suspension and high frequency vibrations after passing over bumps.

Replacement of these parts can be performed with the vehicle on ramps, although if you have access to a lift it would undoubtably be easier.

Time taken: about 1.5 hours
cost:
drop links £6.70 +VAT each
ARB bush £3.95+VAT
Bolts 90p+VAT each. or treat the old ones with thread lock when refitting

Tools:
13mm or 1/2" socket
T50 Torx bit
Silicon spray grease
Torque wrench

Here're my pictures for this operation:
2262293767_96e4db9507.jpg


2263085044_474f704389.jpg


1. If it hasn't already been done place a mark on the anti-roll bar so that when you come to reinstall it you can ensure that it is located centrally to the chassis. I put a blob of paint in the middle in line with the centre of the gearbox.

2. Undo the T50 torx bolt at the bottom of the drop link. These bolts will probably have been treated with thread lock and may be troublesome to remove.

3. Undo the four 13mm bolts which attach the anti-roll bar to the chassis. Be careful, the bar is heavy and give you a good bruise if you're not ready.

4. With the bar removed you'll need to remove the old drop links from it. They are only a push fit but will probably be troublesome.

5. The main ARB bush holder will come apart into two pieces. Try and remember the location of the heat shield for reinstallation. Slide the bush off the end of the bar.

6. If it's been a long time since they were last replaced you'll probably notice some bad pitting and rust underneath the old bushes. Best to clean and treat.

7. Spray a light covering of silicon grease or something similar over the bar to make it easier to install the new bushes.

8. The new drop links are handed. It's best to install them before installing the ARB as when underneath the vehicle you may not be able to get sufficient leverage to pop them over the ends of the bar. The rubber "ear" faces away from the lower wishbone and towards the car centre line.

9. Replacement is now the reverse of removal. Don't tighten up the bolts until you are sure that the ARB is centralised.


Torque settings:
ARB bush bolts to chassis: 20Nm
Drop link to lower wishbone: 80Nm
 
Last edited:

Blobcat

Moderator
Joined
Feb 8, 2006
Messages
38,906
Reaction score
27,632
Location
Grange Moor
Your Mercedes
R171 SLK280, Smart R451, Land Rover 110 County SW, 997 C2S, R1250 GSA TE 40th, CBR600FP
If you wish to discuss this thread pls post replies here
 


Chris Knott Insurance, see oursticky posts here!
www.ckinsurance.co.uk
Top Bottom