W212 lower rear control arm, bolt Vs fuel tank

[robsterpaterson]

Hi all. I attempted changing the lower rear control arm on my 2014 estate this morning - no chance! As suspected there's no space for the 'front' bolt to come out due to the fuel tank being in the way. Possible options;
1. Drop fuel tank a couple of inches.
2. Drop subframe a couple of inches.
3. Cut old bolt and replace with a new one from the other direction.

1&2 aren't happening on my driveway and I'm unsure if 3 would work due to the eccentric washers/head of the bolt - would the washers fit if the bolt was reversed??
Has anyone done this on a 212 estate? It's this arm...

 

[W1ghty]

Hi all. I attempted changing the lower rear control arm on my 2014 estate this morning - no chance! As suspected there's no space for the 'front' bolt to come out due to the fuel tank being in the way. Possible options;
1. Drop fuel tank a couple of inches.
2. Drop subframe a couple of inches.
3. Cut old bolt and replace with a new one from the other direction.

1&2 aren't happening on my driveway and I'm unsure if 3 would work due to the eccentric washers/head of the bolt - would the washers fit if the bolt was reversed??
Has anyone done this on a 212 estate? It's this arm...View attachment 164116

On YouTube for the W211 which is similar I think they say drop the subframe slightly !

 

[robsterpaterson]

On YouTube for the W211 which is similar I think they say drop the subframe slightly !

Bugger, I'll be going to my MOT place or indy then, thanks.

 

[W1ghty]

Bugger, I'll be going to my MOT place or indy then, thanks.

Maybe wait for someone who has done the job in case there is a way round it ?
Either way good luck buddy .

 

[ray_hennig]

I'll be going to my MOT place or indy then, thanks.

I recommend using an MB specialist rather than a general purpose mechanic.

I avoid Febi parts as their quality can be questionable, according to reports on many MB forums. We used Lemfoerder and geniune MB when available for many suspension parts. Trouble is that, these days, people are questioning the quality of Lemfoerder due to Chinese manufacture.

Both Lemfoerder and TRW are now part of ZF and have both been OEMs to MB.

Good hunting.

RayH

 

[toteimerced]

The video I watched, only drop three of the main subframe bolts and loosened the fourth and left it hanging, I seem to remember.