engine mount, bushings?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
1998 E320 W210
engine mount, bushings?
Hello, I am a new here. I need your expertise.
My car feels like it is rocking back and forth (not real harsh, but unpleasant) during idle in P or N. I am guessing it is the engine mount. I believe there are two. How can I be sure it is the engine mount? If it is, how difficult is it to replace them?
My second concern is that, at speed up to 75 mph it feels fine but above that the car feels like it swerves. I don't know where to begin checking or how to check. I need your help please. I would greatly appreciate it.
My car feels like it is rocking back and forth (not real harsh, but unpleasant) during idle in P or N. I am guessing it is the engine mount. I believe there are two. How can I be sure it is the engine mount? If it is, how difficult is it to replace them?
My second concern is that, at speed up to 75 mph it feels fine but above that the car feels like it swerves. I don't know where to begin checking or how to check. I need your help please. I would greatly appreciate it.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 545
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From: Northeast
e300d
I did the mounts on my E300 this weekend. Parts were about $150. Access is good/ez on the inline 6...the V6 may be a different story. Change-out was no more challenging than changing a flat tire. However, car must be safely supported so you can work underneath.
My car has 70k miles, mounts were compressed compared to the new ones.
These cars tend to be hungry for front end parts. When were the ball joints last done? How is tire wear?
My car has 70k miles, mounts were compressed compared to the new ones.
These cars tend to be hungry for front end parts. When were the ball joints last done? How is tire wear?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
1998 E320 W210
I did the mounts on my E300 this weekend. Parts were about $150. Access is good/ez on the inline 6...the V6 may be a different story. Change-out was no more challenging than changing a flat tire. However, car must be safely supported so you can work underneath.
My car has 70k miles, mounts were compressed compared to the new ones.
These cars tend to be hungry for front end parts. When were the ball joints last done? How is tire wear?
My car has 70k miles, mounts were compressed compared to the new ones.
These cars tend to be hungry for front end parts. When were the ball joints last done? How is tire wear?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
1998 E320 W210
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
1998 E320 W210
Your probably right. I believe I need to do that right away. Is that something average DIYer can do or does a proper shop needs to do it. I am not the wealthiest person around. I would appreciate your input.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
From: Northeast
e300d
These are the most fundamental safety issues - - whether Honda or Mercedes. Doesn't CA have some sort of annual safety inspection where stuff at this level would be caught?
Is this a DIY task? Not really, not unless you have specific, previous experience and the tools. You're going to need an alignment when the job is complete. I'm not trying to scare you or put you off, but it's entirely possible you're going to have a list of front end components that are far beyond their wear limits.
You should probably track down your local MBz specialist if you don't want to go thru the dealer. You could post a WTF (Want to Find) in the regional section or go to the Mercedes Shop Forum (now called peachparts.com or something to that effect) where they have shops listed by state.
These cars can provide exceptional service and longevity when maintained. However, it can also become a nightmare when routine care and inspection are ignored.
Good luck
Ohh, don't forget those motor mounts!!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
1998 E320 W210
These are the most fundamental safety issues - - whether Honda or Mercedes. Doesn't CA have some sort of annual safety inspection where stuff at this level would be caught?
Is this a DIY task? Not really, not unless you have specific, previous experience and the tools. You're going to need an alignment when the job is complete. I'm not trying to scare you or put you off, but it's entirely possible you're going to have a list of front end components that are far beyond their wear limits.
You should probably track down your local MBz specialist if you don't want to go thru the dealer. You could post a WTF (Want to Find) in the regional section or go to the Mercedes Shop Forum (now called peachparts.com or something to that effect) where they have shops listed by state.
These cars can provide exceptional service and longevity when maintained. However, it can also become a nightmare when routine care and inspection are ignored
Good luck Ohh, don't forget those motor mounts!!
Is this a DIY task? Not really, not unless you have specific, previous experience and the tools. You're going to need an alignment when the job is complete. I'm not trying to scare you or put you off, but it's entirely possible you're going to have a list of front end components that are far beyond their wear limits.
You should probably track down your local MBz specialist if you don't want to go thru the dealer. You could post a WTF (Want to Find) in the regional section or go to the Mercedes Shop Forum (now called peachparts.com or something to that effect) where they have shops listed by state.
These cars can provide exceptional service and longevity when maintained. However, it can also become a nightmare when routine care and inspection are ignored
Good luck
Ohh, don't forget those motor mounts!!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 835
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
The engine and trans mounts aren't too difficult. Takes a few hours usually.
The front end work requires a Klann spring compressor, 25 ton shop press with MB fittings to press bushings in and out, MB ball joint puller, etc. It's a weekend type of job typically.
The front end work requires a Klann spring compressor, 25 ton shop press with MB fittings to press bushings in and out, MB ball joint puller, etc. It's a weekend type of job typically.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
From: Northeast
e300d
I offered what I know. My experience in this area of the car is limited to springs, sway bar components, end links, shocks, brakes, bearings.
I mentioned above about the engine mounts on a V6. I don't know if it is comparable to the diesel (which is e-z). It's my guess that access is not as good.
I mentioned above about the engine mounts on a V6. I don't know if it is comparable to the diesel (which is e-z). It's my guess that access is not as good.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
1998 E320 W210
I thank you for your input. I will try to do the engine and trans mounts. Do I have to have special tool for removal and installation for mounts? I have the basic tools but nothing out of the ordinary. I guess I'll be looking for a shop to check out and replace the bushings and ball joints. I am just an average guy trying to save money and learn a little bit. So, I really appreciate all the input from here. Thanks again.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 835
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
Here is the diargam of your mounts. Looks like the same mounts that UBERWGN and I know and love. http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp...SGR=015&SGN=02
Tom did his more recently than I, but IIRC you will need some hex bits, sockets, extensions and possibly a universal swivel attachment.
Best thing to do is to crawl under there and check it out before buying parts.
I elected to let a shop do my LCA bushings because of time constraints and special tools needed. They replaced bushings rather than using replacement LCA's with factory installed bushings; pretty sure they won't offer to go that route again on the next MB customer.
Tom did his more recently than I, but IIRC you will need some hex bits, sockets, extensions and possibly a universal swivel attachment.
Best thing to do is to crawl under there and check it out before buying parts.
I elected to let a shop do my LCA bushings because of time constraints and special tools needed. They replaced bushings rather than using replacement LCA's with factory installed bushings; pretty sure they won't offer to go that route again on the next MB customer.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
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John Deere
Think about what you wrote. People take the first statement at face value. And then the second statement...
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 545
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From: Northeast
e300d
The bolt on top of the mount is 16mm....a 12pt socket is helpful. The lower bolt, accessed thru the frame rail, is 13mm.
I have a long extension that permitted me to access the upper bolt with ease. You may be able to do so from below with a standard 16mm box wrench. Again, my comments are based upon the inline 6 motor.
Yes, a swivel/universal jt tool will be helpful.
I have a long extension that permitted me to access the upper bolt with ease. You may be able to do so from below with a standard 16mm box wrench. Again, my comments are based upon the inline 6 motor.
Yes, a swivel/universal jt tool will be helpful.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 835
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
I've apparently missed your point..... The OP's asking about two different projects, mounts and LCA bushings. The first is pretty easy for most DIY'ers, the second is much more involved (allocate a weekend) and requires special tools.
