b_lum81

Pardon my lack of knowledge here but what is a 'Torque Strut Bushing'?

The SA is telling me I need to get them all replaced. I'm just wondering how urgent it is to get done.

Could this part be the cause of a random vibration I get?

whoover

The modern Mercedes rear suspension is called "five-link" for the members that keep the wheel properly positioned during cornering, braking, acceleration, decelleration and other dynamic situations: upper and lower transverse control arms, track rods and diagonal and torque struts. The torque struts take the brunt of drive and braking force and their bushings (rubber mounts) tend to wear. This is true for all MBs, back to the 190 that introduced this rear suspension. When they get sloppy, handling usually suffers but vibration could be a symptom. It's pretty easy to diagnose play caused by worn bushings, so if you trust your dealer it's probably something you should do. If you have reason to believe they're ripoff artists, get a second opinion.

Ausmbtech

You are correct in your description of the 5 link rear end, but in this case I'm pretty sure that the SA is talking about the thrust arm/torque strut which is one of 2 control arms in the front suspension (4 matic use a different front suspension).

They basicly absorb the bulk of the vehicle load during braking forces, they do wear but newer versions are less prone to premature wear than earlier versions.

Common symptoms is a dull knocking noise when brakes are applied sharply or an increase in front tyre outer edge wear.

Worth getting done, some dealers will replace the LH and RH individually, but it's better do replace in pairs.

b_lum81

Thanks for your posts guys.

The SA said that they're cracked and they need replacing. I'll be doing it within the next two weeks; I was just wondering if this could be the reason for the random vibrations I'm getting....

Gullwing

yes it is.

b_lum81

Ok so I've got the parts at pretty much cost and now the question is how to get it installed in the car. I'll consider myself a novice when it comes to cars, I'm just wondering how much would be involved in getting the bushings installed (time/tools etc..)

Gullwing

Raise up the car, wheels hanging. Remove front wheels.
Remove front sway bar bushings, let sway bar hang down.
Remove both lower bolts where strut connects to steering knuckles, loosen top bolt, don't need to remove it (it is very tight). You will have to use a pry bar to separate the two to get the link out.
Loosen nut from guide link at steering knuckle , take two hammers hold one against the nut and hit with other hammer, should pop free.
Remove bolt from guide link bushing and remove guide link.
Press out the bushing and press in the new.
Reinstall.
Pay attention to location of bolt through bushing, it it is not installed the same way it came out, alignment will be off.
With tools and lift I can do it in about 40 minutes, but will probably take you a few hours.
Tools. 21mm sockets/wrenchs. 19mm socket, 17mm socket, 10mm hex, E12 inverted torx. I think that is it.

splinter

Gullwing has it correct.
It’s #18 -

b_lum81

thanks guys. much appreciated!
i'll be trying this later on this week!