Source for aftermarket bushings?
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Source for aftermarket bushings?
Never had to replace suspension bushing on any vehicle I've ever owned... not any domestic car, Japanese, or other. And I buy my cars to own them (I don't rent) so I drive them over 100K miles before thinking of selling them.
I have 80,000 miles on my C320, and I've worn out my SECOND set of bushings. The car otherwise performs perfectly, but I'm now having trouble with tire wear due to these lousy bushings.
Mercedes-Benz makes horrible bushings, and the dealers make no apologies for recognizing the fact.
Has anyone found a source of aftermarket replacement bushings of better quality than MB OEM? Links, please?
I have 80,000 miles on my C320, and I've worn out my SECOND set of bushings. The car otherwise performs perfectly, but I'm now having trouble with tire wear due to these lousy bushings.
Mercedes-Benz makes horrible bushings, and the dealers make no apologies for recognizing the fact.
Has anyone found a source of aftermarket replacement bushings of better quality than MB OEM? Links, please?
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Presume you mean the castor arm 3 way bearing/bush. I have not seen anyone here talk of an aftermarket alternative. Benz now recommend the W204 bush which seems to be giving improved mileage. splinter posted the part numbers a while back. The post facelift 22% softer bush also seems to be better.
If you do find an alternative to the OE bush make sure its not too hard. The castor bushes are the culprit in transmitting tyre noise & roughness into the cabin. Stick to a post facelift hardness/compliance spec.
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...on-changes.pdf
If you do find an alternative to the OE bush make sure its not too hard. The castor bushes are the culprit in transmitting tyre noise & roughness into the cabin. Stick to a post facelift hardness/compliance spec.
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...on-changes.pdf
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The dealership has replaced "defective" bushings in the rear suspension on my car. The replacement on my RR is now worn out and causing the tire to wear on the inside shoulder.
These bushings wear out (almost) faster than the tires do.
I don't like buying 60,000 mile tires that wear out in 30,000 miles due to the bushings. Taking the hit for new tires and an alignment PLUS bushing repairs is a bit galling.
These bushings wear out (almost) faster than the tires do.
I don't like buying 60,000 mile tires that wear out in 30,000 miles due to the bushings. Taking the hit for new tires and an alignment PLUS bushing repairs is a bit galling.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: VA
THE C350
I have always wondered why i have not had an issue with the castor bushings? I have put around 70k on my car without replacing any bushings besides the front sway bar bushing. know that i say this i should order a set lol
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: North San diego
C320 2002
The dealership has replaced "defective" bushings in the rear suspension on my car. The replacement on my RR is now worn out and causing the tire to wear on the inside shoulder.
These bushings wear out (almost) faster than the tires do.
I don't like buying 60,000 mile tires that wear out in 30,000 miles due to the bushings. Taking the hit for new tires and an alignment PLUS bushing repairs is a bit galling.
These bushings wear out (almost) faster than the tires do.
I don't like buying 60,000 mile tires that wear out in 30,000 miles due to the bushings. Taking the hit for new tires and an alignment PLUS bushing repairs is a bit galling.
I have to replace my tires every 16k miles it seems like.I will admit these bushings are bull**** i have to replace mine as well but im not going to now lol
But i
hard
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The dealership has replaced "defective" bushings in the rear suspension on my car. The replacement on my RR is now worn out and causing the tire to wear on the inside shoulder.
These bushings wear out (almost) faster than the tires do.
I don't like buying 60,000 mile tires that wear out in 30,000 miles due to the bushings. Taking the hit for new tires and an alignment PLUS bushing repairs is a bit galling.
These bushings wear out (almost) faster than the tires do.
I don't like buying 60,000 mile tires that wear out in 30,000 miles due to the bushings. Taking the hit for new tires and an alignment PLUS bushing repairs is a bit galling.
Yes - If the rear bushes go it knocks the rear toe out. I have had zero rear problems. Those bushes were also redesigned.
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
Seems MB has yet to perfect the art of fabricating durable suspension bushings; they’re rightly considered merely another consumable.
Not sure what’s contributing to your “trouble with tire wear,” but I’ve found that fitting EPC-specified superseded/upgraded (retrofittable) bushings do, in fact, provide increased service life. Specific PNs are forthrightly available to any member in good standing upon request.
Note our W203 chassis’ relatively aggressive alignment specifications -which contribute mightily to road holding and stability dynamics- aren’t particularly conducive to extended tire life, even given the best of operational circumstances. Nevertheless, yours ought to be wearing evenly across their tread.
K-MAC sells adjustable mounts & bushings, although their marked increase in NVH is an unacceptable compromise for most.
A sharp underpinning and alignment technician is likely your best bet.
Not sure what’s contributing to your “trouble with tire wear,” but I’ve found that fitting EPC-specified superseded/upgraded (retrofittable) bushings do, in fact, provide increased service life. Specific PNs are forthrightly available to any member in good standing upon request.
Note our W203 chassis’ relatively aggressive alignment specifications -which contribute mightily to road holding and stability dynamics- aren’t particularly conducive to extended tire life, even given the best of operational circumstances. Nevertheless, yours ought to be wearing evenly across their tread.
K-MAC sells adjustable mounts & bushings, although their marked increase in NVH is an unacceptable compromise for most.
A sharp underpinning and alignment technician is likely your best bet.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Thank you splinter - this question comes up from time to time. Wish these guys quoted a hardness spec.
Bob - also see rear toe adjustment. It is critical to proper rear tyre wear.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-toe-w203.html
Bob - also see rear toe adjustment. It is critical to proper rear tyre wear.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-toe-w203.html
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