How to replace W210 ARB drop lilnks and bushes

brandwooddixon

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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
 

HERBIEMERCMAN

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W210 drop liks.

hi blob, good post you have provided. if i disconnect the drop links and then drive over some bumps and the knocking stops, then is this a sensible way to see if my drop links are the knocking problem ? i had the drop links changed 30k back but the rool bar bushes have never been changed ? i have 193k on the clock. best wishes. herbiemercman.
 

Markieboye

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If they are that worn, then it will be obvious when you look at them.
For what the bushes cost, and you are about 1/2 way there in doing the job, you might as well get on with it ;)


BTW: I replaced the drop links by holding the arb upright, links on the ground, a hard push with 'attach' them to the end of the bar and then a lift and a sharp hit on the ground with pop them on properly. HTH

Mark
 

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I will ask to have it put in the DIY section
 

HERBIEMERCMAN

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if you do one side at a time, you do not need to disturb the antiroll bar, this eliminates the repositioning of this item. the front ARB'S bushes are easy to push over the ends of the bar with some silicon grease, the rear ones are split so even easier. brandwood's post is first class, but the points mentioned make the job even easier. the worst case scenario is the hex allen key studs retaining the rear bushes, badly corroded on most cars and inaccesible. herbiemercman.
 
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ben12345

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Well I just attempted changing the front drop links on my ARB... One was an advisory on a recent MOT, and I do notice a slight knock from the front on occasion.

It was one of those few occasions that I actually bought genuine parts! I wished I hadn't have bothered though - As soon as I started pushing the new link onto the end of the bar, the bush split and popped out! I'd even warmed it up in hot water, and was using plenty of washing up liquid.
Upon closer inspection, the bush in question was hard and brittle, and not supple like i'd known new bushes in the past to be.
What do you think the dealers response is going to be? 'You must have been installing it incorrectly'?
I bet this 'new' part has been sitting on their shelf in the sun since 1996.

I didn't bother trying the other side.
 

ben12345

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Well Kudos to Mercedes! They replaced the link with no questions asked!

Have now replaced both sides and my slight knocking noise has gone.
 
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brandwooddixon

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Result!
Glad it all worked out. :)

Methinks that it's time again for me to replace the bottom ball joints and check the drop links, arb bushes and steering ball joints.
 

ben12345

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Yeah, I was surprised at how easy the suspension parts on this car are to replace.

I remember trying to change the bottom ball joints on my w126. That was a PITA!

The bolt on ball joints on the W210 look like a dream to change.
 

nick73

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Hi fellas,

Great write up, thanksbrandwooddixon;)

Just wondered though,

1- if I do one side at a time to avoid removing the ARB, can I do this by just jacking the car up?

2- If I asked for 'w210 front suspension drop links' at the dealer, will that be all I need to tell them?

Many thanks!

Nick
 
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steveg164

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I changed a drop link today, took ages getting the new one on the ARB, wanted to drop the bar of the car but the brackets are fixed with 8mm star bolts which are tight and I am worried they will shear off. Any one else got these little bolts, its a 98 E240
 

Cole@MBS

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The bolts "give" that feel Steve but always undo, give them some and hope they dont snap, i have never broken one yet!!

Welcome to the forums!!
 

Brucey

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Just had the drop links & bushes replaced on my 2001 W210 and it's transformed it. My local 'garagiste' did the job for €50 ( I provided the parts ) - He tells me the bushes were well knackered, but you can't see them because they're covered by the undertray.

Hopefully another few years happy motoring. 186,000 on the clock & still going strong.
 

9derekt

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replace drop links

Hello I am new to the forum could you tell me were the drop links mercedes part or other thanke derek
 
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brandwooddixon

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There's not really much difference in the cost between MB drop links and pattern parts.
The prices that I quoted are still roughly the same (in fact some dealers are ofering a discount on them at the moment) and are for MB parts.
 

V8RUMBLE

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Done the drop links today as I done the ball joints the other day. Dead easy thanks to your info:D. The car now wanders to the left and the steering wheel is offset which tells me just how worn the bits were, so tracking tomorrow to complete the transformation:)
 

pugmerc

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Hi

Can anyone tell me with pictures how to replace brake pipes and rear pipework which leads to the self leveling suspension unit -- my MOT on E320 estate 210 has advisory note saying showing sign of wear.
Any idea of costs for replacement ??
Thanks
Tony
 

S.Speed

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Hi

Can anyone tell me with pictures how to replace brake pipes and rear pipework which leads to the self leveling suspension unit -- my MOT on E320 estate 210 has advisory note saying showing sign of wear.
Any idea of costs for replacement ??
Thanks
Tony

Pugmerc,
If I were you I would start a new post for your "unrelated question"..
That way you will get many more answers..:)
 

matei72

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I'm keen to give this a go as well. Our MY2000 E200K W210 is making the odd clunk, sounds like it comes from the right front side, whenever I go over potholes, speed bumps etc.

Can someone advise me on which parts I need to request from Mercedes to replace the drop arms and bushes?

Also - our car is LHD... does that make a difference?

Thanks!
 

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