W-126: Suspension noises; Taillights; Sunroof

[randy]

Hi, now that I have the 420 SEL idling right , I have to address the bumping noises in the front suspension. I have been paying attention to this behavior; I notice that I can tap the brakes as I roll down my drive, and reproduce the noise at will. I am 80% certain the noise is coming from the trailing arm whcih braces the lower suspension arm (I do not know the proper name of this part). It seems to have some sort of ball on the end which fits into a socket on the suspension subframe. I need some advice: is this a straightforward repair; any traps a neophyte might fall into? :?
Additionally, I cannot get the rear taillights to work: fuses 9 and 11 are good, and all other accessories which share these fuses work. Several of the bulbs were out and I replaced all these. Turn signal, side-marker, and brake lights all work. :?:
Fuel gauge wants to be fussy at times; somewhat disconcerting. Usually works, but I want it sorted; advice?
Sunroof: is closed, but left-rear corner is not seated or closed quite all the way; I am afraid to try to open it until I know more about it; advice?
Regards to all, from Randy

 

[talbir]

Hi Randy,

The suspension part you mention is called the suspension bearing bracket - and you re correct, this is most likely the cause of the noise on braking. It is a common failure on W126's.

However, check the anti roll-bar bushings - there are 2 of these, one is located under the battery tray and the other under the fusebox. Best way to check them is to jack up the car from the front, nice and high and then look under the arch towards the battery/fusebox - you will see the roll bar bushing. If it's fairly flat, then they probably ned to be replaced. One under the battery takes 5 mins, one under the fusebox is very tricky.

Also, check your upper control arms - they may have excess play or one of them may even be cracked.

Bascially before replacing any item, get the car jacked up and check all the bushings for breaks or worn bushings. The suspension bearing bracket is VERY expensive, so be sure to investigate before replacing.

The taillights sounds like a bad earth or contact problem. Check that bulb is actually contacing with pins.

 

[jaques2k]

Sunroof

Might be good to know that the sunroof motor is located in the trunk, and therefrom you can adjust the sunroof mechanism somewhat.

 

[randy]

Suspension bumping: 420

Hi; everything underneath looks good, with the possible exception of one tie-rod end (simple). The part is $462 in the US for each side . This car has 143K miles, and I have known it since new; it has been somewhat neglected (original purchaser would be horrified, but he lived less than 1 year after purchase; his family were less-concerned about maintenance). I can look toward the ends of the support rods and see rust dust, so they are toast. My budget is suffering...
By the way, which part is the guide rod? :?:
Thanks a bunch.