C240-Merc

What are bushings for and when should they be replace. The last time the car was at the dealer for service he recommended the next time that I bring the car in that I have him/them replace them.

Where are they located on the car?

lkchris

Bushings are a form of bearing.

Shop is probably talking about the rubber-encased bushings in your car's suspension. When rubber deteriorates, suspension become "loose." However, MB bushings ought to be good for at least 10 years. Does car handle poorly, make noises over bumps, etc.?

C240-Merc

Thanks for the response. The suspension seems tight. The car is a 2001 C240 with Approx 72k miles. Would I notice an immediate improvement once I get it them replaced?

ClayJ

I think that you'd notice if your bushings were bad, vs getting bad.... Things like every time you went over anything jarring it should tend to be transmitted to your butt-o-meter and be much louder than normal, sloppier than usual steerage and cornering, etc. I don't know about your model particularly, but if you crawl under there you should be able to physically inspect the bushings for yourself. And bad busihings in 72K miles and 5 years doesn't sound like the norm to me -- have you threashed your car the whole time?
As far as locations on your car, I wouldn't know but there are usually several, including the ones on the ends of the swaybars front and rear, control arms, etc.
And yes, if they are bad, or are going bad, replacing them will make one helluva difference.

C240-Merc

I appreciate the reponse ClayJ, I will look under the car this weekend and see how they are. I really don't drive it that hard.

ClayJ

You'll see little splits or tears in them on the edges that you can see if they are bad. They're all over the front end, at the ends of the metal parts where they make connections to toher parts. Should be fewer of them in the rear.
Let us know what you find out....

C240-Merc

will do!

bazzle

ASK what bushing?? from repairer before you replace ..

Bazzle