W114 Suspension Noises!

[pookybbb]

Hello,

I am getting some clunky noises from my trusty old W114 and was hoping other merc fans can extend their own knowledge/experience with this one. The noise is coming from the rear suspenion, when I go over rough roads or train crossings it sounds like someone is pounding the rear floor with a hammer!

I got her up on ramps today and found something I think is unusual. Forward of the rear wheels, where the rear suspension x-member "A" attaches to the under floor of the body, there are two rubber mounts "D" (one on each side). At these points I could grab the x-member and move it up and down, the movement closed the gap at point "B" between the x-member and the floor. I suspect that these rubbers might be worn? The bolt holding the x-member to the body was tight! There is also another rubber mount on the rear of the diff housing, it also had some upward movement when I put the bottle jack under it?

Any advise would be much appretiated.


Cheers.

 

[grober]

Here's a diagram of the parts involved. this is for a 280 but probably the same for all the models?? http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...+++765.700&CT=F&cat=028&SID=35&SGR=001&SGN=01
The subframe mountings may have gone and is relatively easy to replace them with a repair kit [ no 100 in diagram ] given the right equipment and experience. Not a job for an inexperienced DIY man however IMHO. If on the other hand the body/chassis mounting point for the subframe has corroded a new section will have to be welded in, which probably means the whole rear subframe will have to come off. If its the rear differential mountings-- they can go soft if saturated in oil-- its a much easier task to replace them.

 

[pookybbb]

Thanks Grober. There is no rust there, so it must be the rubber mounts. Do you know if the new ones need a special tool to press them in (like doing control arm bushes) or do they just slide in with some rubber lubricant and force/twisting?

Cheers,

BB

 

[grober]

I have no direct knowledge of this particular model but I imagine its broadly the same as the w124. http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=33610&highlight=rear+subframe
and here
http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=29814&page=5&highlight=rear+subframe

So although you don't need any "special" tools access to 2 or 3 good jacks+ some axle stands + " some muscle help" will probably be required. If the old mounts [do both sides] come out easily you may be able to drop the subframe and do it in-situ, without removing anything dont know. Difficult to say before you start on the job. The underside looks pretty clean though so hopefully with some brute force and a little lubrication it should be possible. You are working under the car and applying considerable force to major components so make sure you are capable of doing the job safely. If you are uncertain/lack the experience entrust the work to a mercedes specialist who knows the snags. I will try to find a pictorial "how to "for you but no success so far.