1996 C-Class W202 Rear Subframe Bushes

[BigDusty]

Hello,

In the middle of overhauling the rear end of my car, I'm about to refit the subframe with new bushes. The bushes I bought from Eurocar parts and match exactly the same size as the originals but obviously in much better condition .

There are four bushes in total, the front bushes and the bigger rear bushes. As far as I can see the front bushes will fit on without any complications but the rear bushes are more of a mystery.

Note: A picture of one of the bush kits and the other picture of the shaft that the bush is bolted onto.

The 18mm hole is for the bolt to go through.

The bush fits onto the 27mm wide shaft, but the hole in the bush is 32mm in diameter.

I also noticed some type of cardboard in the original bush but was completely destroyed when removing the subframe.

So, my question is, do I need to make some sort of spacer to be inserted into the bush to make the shaft fit central and also, I have put a question mark next to the washer/spacer in picture one, what is this for as there weren't any to be found with the original bushes?

Any help or advice will be most appreciated.

BigD

 

[kth286]

Is the washer/spacer the centralising mechanism ?

 

[golden1245]

can't answer you question, sorry, but since I would like to do this as well in the near future, I would like to know if you guys can resolve this too so I can use this in the future.

BigDusty, did you drop the subframe out completely or did you have a tool to take the bushing out with the subframe attached?

 

[BigDusty]

First, sorry for the late reply, have been away.

The washer/spacer is too lose on the bolt and doesn't fit anything snug on the subframe or Bush and I have not got a clue what it's for so in the end I haven't used it.

Anyway, I have now fitted the bushes and simply just made it up as I went. What's also strange is that the Haynes Manual does not cover the subframe or bushes, not even a mention.

I haven't finished the work yet, it all started when my brake lines were badly corroded and the main front to rear pipe had to be replaced and as it goes over the subframe and the fuel tank so I decided to do a complete overhaul and strip it all out.

What I will do when I have time, I will explain with the help of photos what I have done so far to replace these bushes. I have fitted them with the subframe out but it can be done with it in place but I will have to say, the two smaller front bushes went in easily with the use of a 2 legged puller, as for the two rear larger bushes (the picture above) were not so easy and I made a tool to get them in. I even attached the subframe to the underneath of the car and used a trolley jack to try and push them in but the car just lifted up as there was not enough weight to hold it down.

To get the bushes out I used a hand held blow torch to slightly melt them and using a large screw driver they came out fairly easily.

Once I have the car all back together and on the road I will give you an update to inform you if all went well which will then prove that what I did to assemble the bushes worked.

As the Terminator once said, "I'll be back".

Give me a couple of weeks though!

BigD

 

[noogieman]

my mechanic told me these bushes needs to be melted by gaswelder to remove them.

 

[EuroCarParts]

Anyway, I have now fitted the bushes and simply just made it up as I went. What's also strange is that the Haynes Manual does not cover the subframe or bushes, not even a mention.

BigD

Thats because they were too scared to do it

Maybe you should document it, and sell it to Haynes for publishing rights?

 

[Nasco12]

Here is a photo of my rear sub-frame bush that I took last night:



Mine is a facelift so might be different to yours but if it is the same you appear to be missing a large piece of rubber.

 

[BigDusty]

(my mechanic told me these bushes needs to be melted by gaswelder to remove them.)

That's exactly what I had to do to get them out, melt them slightly and then prise them out using a large screwdriver.

(Maybe you should document it, and sell it to Haynes for publishing rights?)

Yeah, I should, the book doesn't even cover the kompressor (supercharger) either, I had to make it up as I went with that also when the bearings went on the pulley, find my post here http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/howto/50407-howto-repair-c230k-kompressor-w202.html

(Mine is a facelift so might be different to yours but if it is the same you appear to be missing a large piece of rubber.)

It is the same, my photo is showing the bush from the back where as yours is the front. Anyway, the replacement bush is identical as the old ones that came off.

I'm still working on my car, in the process of overhauling the rear brake calipers as the rubber seals that protect the pistons are in need of replacing, so more money and time.

Would have been easier to buy a new car, ah well, I like a challenge!!

Right, back to work, prop shaft here I come

BigD