W211 E55 rear KMac bushings, Arnott, control arms install
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
W211 E55 rear KMac bushings, Arnott, control arms install
EDIT: Use the revised and corrected document in post #4. It incorporates the errata.
Attached is my 15-page writeup with photos of the installation of KMac rear bushings done in parallel with replacement of the rear air springs with Arnott replacements and control arms.
I post this in the desire that it will make it easier for others to perform the work that I did.
Constructive comments welcome.
Attached is my 15-page writeup with photos of the installation of KMac rear bushings done in parallel with replacement of the rear air springs with Arnott replacements and control arms.
I post this in the desire that it will make it easier for others to perform the work that I did.
Constructive comments welcome.
Last edited by bbirdwell; Jan 27, 2016 at 01:42 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Errata
If you are not sure what "errata" means, go to www.dictionary.com.
Tie-rod nuts on the exhaust - 12mm
Hex-head nut size on the external air reservoirs, 13mm hex-head.
Toe arm inboard bolts - E16 and T50 Torx.
12-point cam toe adjuster - 21mm
Tie-rod nuts on the exhaust - 12mm
Hex-head nut size on the external air reservoirs, 13mm hex-head.
Toe arm inboard bolts - E16 and T50 Torx.
12-point cam toe adjuster - 21mm
Last edited by bbirdwell; Jan 25, 2016 at 01:16 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
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Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Correction of pull to one side
After aligning and driving the car to work and back over several days last week, I noticed I had to hold left pressure on the steering wheel to hold the car straight. I recalled that when I went to insert and tighten the bolts on the left rear toe arm, it was difficult because the toe arm was "canted" to one side.
Upon closer inspection, I determined that the KMac bushing was not properly pressed into to toe arm. I pulled the toe arm and repressed the bushing to eliminate the cant, and reinstalled the toe arm. This time the KMac toe bushing made full contact with the hub and the toe arm bolts inserted without a problem. Of course, that meant I had to re-verify the left rear camber and toe again (I'm getting good; only 2 1/2 hour to perform all the previous.).
Pull is gone and car tracks straight. So...ensure you press those bushings properly! I believe the issue with mine arose because I had the old "single tube" bushing press. Kevin at KMac now provides a two-tube bushing press.
I'll let all of you know how this holds up.
Car is currently at the shop having the new front control arms (with KMac bushings pre-installed) placed on the car. That job I just decided to pay someone else to perform. I'll provide updates on the front once I get the car back from the shop.
Upon closer inspection, I determined that the KMac bushing was not properly pressed into to toe arm. I pulled the toe arm and repressed the bushing to eliminate the cant, and reinstalled the toe arm. This time the KMac toe bushing made full contact with the hub and the toe arm bolts inserted without a problem. Of course, that meant I had to re-verify the left rear camber and toe again (I'm getting good; only 2 1/2 hour to perform all the previous.).
Pull is gone and car tracks straight. So...ensure you press those bushings properly! I believe the issue with mine arose because I had the old "single tube" bushing press. Kevin at KMac now provides a two-tube bushing press.
I'll let all of you know how this holds up.
Car is currently at the shop having the new front control arms (with KMac bushings pre-installed) placed on the car. That job I just decided to pay someone else to perform. I'll provide updates on the front once I get the car back from the shop.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,965
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Toe bushing press tools non-KMac
Attached is a photo of my home-brewed toe bushing press tools. I received a new version of the toe bushing from Kevin in Australia and it is in the second photo installed in the toe arm. I didn't want to wait for his press tools so I came up with these from the local big-box hardware store.
