replacing control arms on rear suspension
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 52
Likes: 4
2004 E500 wagon
replacing control arms on rear suspension
So, I'm looking at replacing all the arms on the rear suspension. I'm also looking at the idea of replacing all the bushings in the subframe. So, I have a few questions.
First up, what tools are needed to pull all those bushings out? What diameters am I looking at?
Second, for this job, as I'm replacing air springs as well, would I be better to just pull the whole subframe out, and replace everything on the ground, vs doing it in the car on jack stands? I do have equipment to move everything.
Third, is there anything else I should replace while I'm in there?
Fourth, is it worth putting camber bushings in the rear?
Thanks in advance.
First up, what tools are needed to pull all those bushings out? What diameters am I looking at?
Second, for this job, as I'm replacing air springs as well, would I be better to just pull the whole subframe out, and replace everything on the ground, vs doing it in the car on jack stands? I do have equipment to move everything.
Third, is there anything else I should replace while I'm in there?
Fourth, is it worth putting camber bushings in the rear?
Thanks in advance.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 815
Likes: 174
From: USA
04 E55, 06 E55, 05 G55, 14 E63s, 12 cls63
So, I'm looking at replacing all the arms on the rear suspension. I'm also looking at the idea of replacing all the bushings in the subframe. So, I have a few questions.
First up, what tools are needed to pull all those bushings out? What diameters am I looking at?
Second, for this job, as I'm replacing air springs as well, would I be better to just pull the whole subframe out, and replace everything on the ground, vs doing it in the car on jack stands? I do have equipment to move everything.
Third, is there anything else I should replace while I'm in there?
Fourth, is it worth putting camber bushings in the rear?
Thanks in advance.
First up, what tools are needed to pull all those bushings out? What diameters am I looking at?
Second, for this job, as I'm replacing air springs as well, would I be better to just pull the whole subframe out, and replace everything on the ground, vs doing it in the car on jack stands? I do have equipment to move everything.
Third, is there anything else I should replace while I'm in there?
Fourth, is it worth putting camber bushings in the rear?
Thanks in advance.
rear air springs- no need to drop the subframe. if you are upgrading to arrnot then its easy as they deleted the extra blow off tank or whatever its called. you can just snip the line going to that tank as its not going to do anything. you can do the whole job on jack stands. just make sure you have a long pry bar for leverage.
a regular ball bearing bushing tool should have the right size pullers to do the subframe bushings but dont take my word on that.
the shock is held by 2 bolts in the trunk and one on the bottom, compress and pull out.
the air shock has one big bolt on the bottom (i dont remember whats on the top), regardless once its loose get your pry bar and push down on the control arm to get the room you need to pull that sucker out. reinstall in reverse order.
make sure you have a full can of map gas, wd40 or similar, 5lb hammer
all in all its a pretty easy job nothing to it
