W124 rear subframe mount bushes

[Sacco]

Been looking around some old threads regarding these, and how they can affect the handing and ride when worn. I think mine need doing, especially the leading ones, But i'm unsure how diy-able they are? Wondering if spring compressors needed and how much dismantling needed to drop the leading edge of the subframe and replace the leading mount bushes. Has anyone tackled this themselves/ has any tips?

Cheers
Matthew

 

[Bolide]

I've had lots done. The leading bushes are the ones that wear out - the trailing ones seems to survive well. Worn leading bushes cause clonks over bumps

My indie does a pair in about 90 mins, IIRC. I believe you just drop the subframe down a bit and pop them in. But, of course, that might be a slight simplification...

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[wireman]

When mine were replaced the sub frame was dropped out (or so I believe), the charge (£300) was for removal/refit of the subframe and replacement of all four mounts.

In the light of Nicks 90mins comment perhaps I was seen coming.

The bushes (~£60 a pair) are press fitted into the sub frame and the old ones can be difficult to remove, I was tempted to have a go myself and save the labour costs but the sheer weight of the car and the height required for access put me off.

Just dropping the front of the sub frame sufficiently to get at the mounts might over stress the rear mounts since a considerable space will be needed above the front arms to gain sufficent access to the top of the sub frame, additionaly the propshaft, exhaust pipe, parking brake cables, rear brake hoses and shock absorbers all conspire to limit the extent to which the frame can be lowered, all the preceeding bits could get damaged if they are not removed to do the job.

Without a high lift this job would probably be a nightmare even though it is only 1 bolt per mounting.

The improvement in drivablity, comfort and handling was incredible and well worth the price, prior to the repair I was seriously considering letting it go to the breakers.
It would (in my opinion) have been a wasted opportunity to only change the front pair since the back ones would no doubt have been all tired and ready to fall apart quite soon.

Get them done if the rest of your car is worth it and you will not regret it.

 

[kth286]

Matthew

Can Nick's Indie do yours ? Where are you based.

 

[Sacco]

Am based in Devon but quite often over in the Southeast. Think I would be much happier for an Indie to tackle it rather than me especially after reading the posts above- any recommendations would indeed be welcome:-D

 

[Sacco]

BTW Nick, thats a fantastic website youve got together there!

 

[Sacco]

BTW Nick, thats a fantastic website youve got together there!

Matthew

 

[Bolide]

BTW Nick, thats a fantastic website youve got together there!

Thank you, thank you!

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[turnipsock]

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=12092

I had fun with mine ages ago. I replaced the front two in the end but my problem was that somebody had a go at them before.

 

[roofless]

i just done the front two today without any big probs & it was well worth it the car now takes bends in the lane i aim for & the noise from the road has gone . tools you need are 1 pair of ramps & 2 planks of wood to extend the ramps as the 124 has a long overhang & you will hit the ramps with the bumper. the bush bolts are 19mm socket .the propshaft at the diff end needs to be unbolted to gain the req clearance a 15mm & a 17mm other tools big hammer & a bar ect to use as a drift to knock out the old bush then i used a trolly jack to lift the car body a bit to gain the space needed to remove the old bush this is the one prob you might have my jack is a workshop size job but still can be done i also used it to press the new ones in to place by pressing the sub frame up at the bush then the bolt pull it all together but to be fair not a easy diy job but well worth the tears

 

[bigslim]

hi all...i still have my problem with the rear sub frame .the mounts at the rear look gone...and i fear that the part the bolt goes into on the boot floor will just crumble ...could someone have a look please and show me a pic of yours please http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/sh...check=0&page=1&sortby=&sorttime=&way=&cat=512 .....PLEASE HELP a really miss ma baby and a need a good does of merc to perc me up

 

[hardtop]

i think you need to just do it & deal with any probs that you face as you go if its that rusty it needs fixed .

 

[bigslim]

a will a was just looking for advice due to cash flow problems on how to repair the main frame on the boot floor so a dont run up a high bill for ma car being stuck on the MOT ramp untill a think of something to sort the box section the subframe bolts to .........cheers.....