Control Arm Bushing Spacer
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 3
From: St Paul, Minnesota
2002 ML320, 2000 eE430 4matic, 2009 ML350 4matic, 1986 Vanagon(subaru powered)
Control Arm Bushing Spacer
Doing lower control arm bushings on 2000 e430 4 matic.
The two part bushing which has a spacer sleeve between the bushings does not slip in easily into my lemforder bushings. The febi bushings seem slightly larger and the spacer does slide into them with more ease.
When the spacer is put into the outside facing hole on the two bushings it fits easily. On inspection there is a very fine detent that runs around the lip of the bushings inside facing hole, which seems to be what is causing an interference fit. It must be there for a reason, its not on the other end of the bushing.
On assembly the two halves of the bushing are pushed into the control arm simultaneously, with the spacer in between them thus compressing the two bushings onto the spacer.
Should I try to put the spacer all the way into one of the bushings before pressing the sandwich together? Will the resistance just add to the difficulty in pushing the bushings into the control arm? Should I sand or file to achieve a loose fit for the spacer?
Thanks
The two part bushing which has a spacer sleeve between the bushings does not slip in easily into my lemforder bushings. The febi bushings seem slightly larger and the spacer does slide into them with more ease.
When the spacer is put into the outside facing hole on the two bushings it fits easily. On inspection there is a very fine detent that runs around the lip of the bushings inside facing hole, which seems to be what is causing an interference fit. It must be there for a reason, its not on the other end of the bushing.
On assembly the two halves of the bushing are pushed into the control arm simultaneously, with the spacer in between them thus compressing the two bushings onto the spacer.
Should I try to put the spacer all the way into one of the bushings before pressing the sandwich together? Will the resistance just add to the difficulty in pushing the bushings into the control arm? Should I sand or file to achieve a loose fit for the spacer?
Thanks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 3
From: St Paul, Minnesota
2002 ML320, 2000 eE430 4matic, 2009 ML350 4matic, 1986 Vanagon(subaru powered)
Thanks Plutoe, WIS is exceptionally helpful, but there is a reason for apprenticeships, we learn from direct experience and from others direct experience.
I have been reviewing WIS and there is no description as to the placement of the spacer, whether it fits into the bushing prior to pressing or not. It simply says to press 4i and 4k with spacer 4l into lower control arm. AR33.20 Is the spacer also an interference fit into the bushings?
Has anyone any personal experience with the fit of the spacer into the bushings prior to pressing together?
Cheers
I have been reviewing WIS and there is no description as to the placement of the spacer, whether it fits into the bushing prior to pressing or not. It simply says to press 4i and 4k with spacer 4l into lower control arm. AR33.20 Is the spacer also an interference fit into the bushings?
Has anyone any personal experience with the fit of the spacer into the bushings prior to pressing together?
Cheers
