CQHall

Car is a 1996 W210 E320.

Is the replacement of front lower control arm bushings a tough, dealer-only type job or is this something that can be done in a home garage with proper tools and instruction by guys who know their way around cars?

Thanks,

C

tmaguire

The bushings need to be pressed out and new ones pressed in. Not for the faint of heart (unless you have a hydraulic press handy....).

OldNate

Just curious, but what does the dealer charge for changing the bushings for both?

tmaguire

Parts are pretty cheap but the labor is 3 plus hours. I had it done (privately) by a mechanic that works for mercedes. Labor for lower control arm bushings, replacing upper control arms, lower ball joints and sway bar bushings was $750.
I was told by him that new lower control arms (with bushings) are cheaper than the labor to put in new bushings.

Bodgit

It's a reasonably involved job. You need a Klann type spring compressor and ball joint separators to do the job. The bushings can be pressed out by a shop but if the A arms are rusty at all, replace them. Mine were rusty and I replaced them. I'd do sway bar links and ball joints at the same time. I posted pix on Shop Forum of how to do the job if you are interested. Be certain to grease the bolts for the sway bar links and A arm pivots when reinstalling them.
Steve

CQHall

Thanks guys!

raymond g-

bodgit....uh....'welcome to the forum' seems a little inappropriate. thx for the
redirect for pics.