Probably Dumb Question: End Links and Stabilizer Bushings (2002 E320 4-Matic Sedan)
04-02-2013, 08:43 PM
#1
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2002 E320 4-Matic Sedan
Probably Dumb Question: End Links and Stabilizer Bushings (2002 E320 4-Matic Sedan)
Hi all.
I've been trying to track down a common clunking sound from the right front suspension. Based on many threads here, the likely culprits are stabilizer bar bushings and end links.
My luck has not been good so far... The bushings I bought don't fit and I cannot on God's green earth find out where the end links go (based on the ALLDATA DIY diagram and several other sites listing the same parts).
If anyone can help me in my ignorance, please do!
For the bushings:
In the photo, you can see that the old bushing is quite a bit taller than the new one, even though they are exactly the same part (#1293230185). The new one cannot fit; since it's shorted, it blocks the bracket from coming anywhere close to its original position around the bushing (so there's no way to bolt it back). It sticks out maybe half an inch. Am I nuts?
Here's a pic of the bushing on the stabilizer bar:
For the end links:
I took a photo of the right suspension and put it along side the ALL DATA diagram of the same area (although the diagram shows the left side). The diagram is for my exact model (2002 E320 4-Matic), but I just do not see the end link that's supposed to be there! I'm sure I'm overlooking something obvious! The end link I bought is pictured in the red inset box below. Looks just like the one in the diagram, but no where to be found on my car.
Thanks so much for any ideas!
I've been trying to track down a common clunking sound from the right front suspension. Based on many threads here, the likely culprits are stabilizer bar bushings and end links.
My luck has not been good so far... The bushings I bought don't fit and I cannot on God's green earth find out where the end links go (based on the ALLDATA DIY diagram and several other sites listing the same parts).
If anyone can help me in my ignorance, please do!
For the bushings:
In the photo, you can see that the old bushing is quite a bit taller than the new one, even though they are exactly the same part (#1293230185). The new one cannot fit; since it's shorted, it blocks the bracket from coming anywhere close to its original position around the bushing (so there's no way to bolt it back). It sticks out maybe half an inch. Am I nuts?
Here's a pic of the bushing on the stabilizer bar:
For the end links:
I took a photo of the right suspension and put it along side the ALL DATA diagram of the same area (although the diagram shows the left side). The diagram is for my exact model (2002 E320 4-Matic), but I just do not see the end link that's supposed to be there! I'm sure I'm overlooking something obvious! The end link I bought is pictured in the red inset box below. Looks just like the one in the diagram, but no where to be found on my car.
Thanks so much for any ideas!
Last edited by joeriley; 04-02-2013 at 09:35 PM.
04-03-2013, 11:49 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
4 matics as far as I know don't have end links. My 98 has the same setup as yours. I changed my bushings a few months ago.
124 323 49 85 - Bushing to LCA - this is what you need
129 323 01 85 - Bushings to frame - this is what you have, there are two and they go kinda in the middle of the bar where it mounts to the frame. You have to remove the whole bar to install them.
124 323 49 85 - Bushing to LCA - this is what you need
129 323 01 85 - Bushings to frame - this is what you have, there are two and they go kinda in the middle of the bar where it mounts to the frame. You have to remove the whole bar to install them.
04-03-2013, 01:34 PM
#3
Out Of Control!!
The unfortunate news is that we all learn from our and others mistakes and a good axiom is to ALWAYS check, put your VIN and use your FREE subscription to MB EPC to CORRECTLY identify parts required for a small or large job----then you can shop the parts, but at least you know with 100 percent assurances that the parts are correct for the car and you understand the layout!! Saves loads of time and money. Plus the car is on the road quicker!!
04-04-2013, 07:02 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
glad to help. When I installed mine I had to use a floor jack to push the bushing into the bracket on the LCA. The old ones just fell right off when I removed the stabilizer bar.
