[nobby]

My SL was not covered under the Mercedes subframe warranty and absolutely no help was offered by Mercedes Canada.

So....what to do?


Well, just do it.


Following Mercedes Benz Work Instructions #180 / Grp.33 :
Welding Additional Reinforcement Brackets

And from the manual:
Job 32-200: Re and Re Front Spring
Job 33-520 Checking and Repairing Lower Control Arm Bearing


It is important to get your shit together BEFORE undertaking this job especially if you are doing the work 60 miles from home.

Information, parts, supplies, tools and work instructions.

 

[nobby]

Of course there is NEVER a pit or a lift.


Do it the hard way.

 

[nobby]

Gusset Install

The procedure calls for the "protection" of the existing control arm bushings.

But I am replacing mine with new so I didn't bother worrying.


Remember....when welding, remove the ground from your battery.


Gusset Kit part number: 107 330 00 68

OR have them made:

Subframe Gussets | Mercedes-Benz Forum (benzworld.org)

 

[nobby]

Springs Out

I removed the springs completely to get the part numbers from the spring and donut.


And changed the bushings while they were out.


I used a band saw to cut the heads of the bushings off and used a home made tool to pull them out.


The same tool was used to install them.

I used a little Silicone spray to help them get seated.

Lower Control Arm Bushing kits (2) part number 115 330 16 75

 

[nobby]

From wheels on the ground to wheels on the ground it took myself and my buddy 6 hours to accomplish.

Did the eccentrics "by eye" and will need to get an alignment done.....although it tracked quite nice on the drive home.


BTW, the right side, fore and aft eccentrics were 180 degrees out. Somebody, at some time was dicking around with it.

 

[Werner W]

You the man Nob. Awesome DIY post. I am book marking this one.
Did you do the welding? It looks like it was done by a pro.

 

[nobby]

You the man Nob. Awesome DYI post. I am book marking this one.
Did you do the welding? It looks like it was done by a pro.

Thank you, Werner.

No, I enlisted my buddy who has a welding ticket.


I can weld, but it usually features LOTS of grinding afterwards.

 

[QUILTMAN01]

Nice job . Its got to be nice to have friends to take on such a project. Looks great. D.I.Y. sticky ?

 

[smack]

Great write-up. Hat's off.

 

[nobby]

Nice job . Its got to be nice to have friends to take on such a project. Looks great. D.I.Y. sticky ?

We are both in the favour business.

I think we might be even at this point.

 

[roncallo]

Nice work. Excellent welding. And yes this is a EG107.

 

[GlueckAuf]

Excellent work, Nobster & Co. Nothing quite says craftsmanship like a beautiful weld, and your colleague's work is exemplary.

Congratulations on another success, and thanks for sharing it with the group. :thumbsup:

Good road,

 

[mrelbe]

Sir Nobby, again you have shown that you are the master.

 

[FlyboyHCH]

Very nice job, still on my to do list. Already replaced the bushings, Hats off for your buddy's welding :thumbsup:

 

[Ears]

Dammit boy!
Nice Job...

The eccentrics being out may not signify someone dic'ing with it... Mine are not the same side to side after alignment, but are not out 180degrees either.

Good Show!

 

[cctoronto]

That car is starting to look driveable!

Well done!

 

[nobby]

The eccentrics being out may not signify someone dic'ing with it... Mine are not the same side to side after alignment, but are not out 180degrees either.

They were literally UPSIDE down.

 

[dak503]

nooby,i was wondering the best way to lower the a arm. so i can change the lower bushings. does it matter if i leave the tire on. or should i put it on jack stands.and use a jack to lower it. what do i have to remove or loosen. can it be done safely without a spring compressor. also does anyone know if the bushing seater. that autozone lends out work on a 1989 560 sl a arm. thanks. any help would be appreciated.

 

[nobby]

As you can probably tell from the pics.........I used no special tools.


Car in the air, remove stabilizer links, lower shock connections...place jack under the control arm....drive out eccentric bolts....lower the arm.


2 man operation doing it like this.


Have a cranking cargo strap on hand.


Bushing seater......Nobby style.

 

[dak503]

i actually have a cargo strap. but whats the 2nd person for. i really don't have anyone that i would trust my life with.or my car's for that matter. my local sts tire center wants $560.00. just in labor so as soon as it gets warmer im going to give it a try. also i read another post that says to only loosen the shock nuts. do you need to lower the a arm as much as you did. to change just the bushings. thanks