I actually thought this was normal and I've heard BOTUS complain about it quite a bit. Well Kent of Mercedes Source seems to stepping into later model stuff, including a facelift S550.
It does make sense because this bushing is probably the single highest loaded bushing in the entire rear suspension. I might tackle this in my S550. My symptoms are the typical sideways jump when hitting certain bumps. Plus a very faint clunk from the right rear over certain road conditions (though that could be the strut - we'll see). 106k on mine.
He has some other videos on his W221 that are interesting. He really wants his cars to be right.
Anyway as a result of another video I will be replacing all exhaust hangers/isolators. They are all "fine" but he found the stretched out rubber contributed to some driveline vibrations.
He has some other videos on his W221 that are interesting. He really wants his cars to be right.
Anyway as a result of another video I will be replacing all exhaust hangers/isolators. They are all "fine" but he found the stretched out rubber contributed to some driveline vibrations.
which makes comments about missing ARBs and ABC removal all the more intriguing - he clearly isn't an idiot - clearly spends lots of time and resources with his mods, and he likes vehicles that drive and ride well - yet he's just fine with the HUGE improvements he found throwing ABC in a skip
Arrie,
Had that same issue with my W220 and an Alignment fixed it.
Must point out (OEM’S Best Kept Secret) only “Wheel Alignment Adjustment” - Today’s models is basic Front and Rear TOE (directional) adjustment !!
ON THE W220 AND W221 MODELS you can purchase (Front only) offset bolts but they’re inaccurate one position and only offer a miniscule .3 of one degree Camber / Caster change.
We saw the need therefore and manufacture “BOLT-ON” - no special tools needed or need for time consuming control arm removal to fit.
FRONT CAMBER & CASTER ADJUSTER KITS AND REAR CAMBER WITH “EXTRA” TOE ADJUSTMENT.
REPLACING AT THE SAME TIME AND UPRATING THE 4 FRONT AND 4 REAR HIGHEST WEARING BUSHINGS.
SERIOUS ADJUSTMENT - TO FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME Up to 2 degrees EXTRA Positive or Negative adjustment (K-MAC PATENTED DESIGN - Fast / accurate single wrench easily accessible - Direct on alignment rack UNDER LOAD).
WHEN IT COMES TO REAR END JUMPINESS:
This is now our 60th year specializing in manufacturing UPRATED SUSPENSION BUSHINGS AND ADJUSTER KITS !
W220 / W221 - Main cause of rear end flex, wheel tramp / loss of traction is the ‘6’ multi link rear arms. All with soft rubber bushings. WE MANUFACTURE AN UPRATED BUSH KIT - that dramatically resolves problem. Especially when lane changing and applying power.
The largest rear suspension bushings are the 2 lower control arm inner. Again soft rubber with air voids.
THE REAR K-MAC CAMBER BUSH KIT RESOLVES THIS PROBLEM - replacing with uprated bushes and same time adjustable !
DO ALSO POINT OUT - the K-MAC Front Caster bushes are MONO BALL / SELF ALIGNING. Replacing the OEM soft rubber. Allowing arms to still travel through their required suspension arcs, BUT SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT TO BRAKE & STEERING RESPONSE.
SEE SPOILER RE TOTAL SYSTEM MANUFACTURED
Spoiler
W221 ALL MODELS INCL. AMG… (W220 See website incl. 4MATIC).
REAR SUSPENSION
CAMBER (& EXTRA TOE) #502626K $480 (BOTH SIDES)
NOTE: Above K-MAC Front and Rear bush adjuster kits include specially designed extraction tools allowing fitment without any special tools or need for time consuming control arm removal.
UPRATED MULTI LINK CONTROL ARM BUSHES #502828K $480 (BOTH SIDES)
Include also extraction and insertion tubes.
DHL AIR EXPRESS $40 one kit ($20 each extra). sales@k-mac.com ….web: www.k-mac.com….1888 847 9099 (Sales Tech 24/7)
AUDI to VOLVO - Experience Resolving OEM Suspension Shortcomings (and costs) Since 1964 !
I'm not sure what you are referring to. A different video?
yes a different video - the same guy fed up with ABC failures finally went coil-overs and has driven the car more in 3 months since he removed that rubbish than the four years prior...
Curious to see how Kens tool ends up working. Id like to replace this bushing in my W204. I bought a set of used spring control arms to replace my current rusted ones. looks like this bushing is very common and used on many different vehicles.
I found the Mercedes tool for a little over $200 or the CTA tool for $175 which I would rather buy than taking it to the dealer. Least that way I would get a tool out of it to keep too. Those tools seem to have ball bearings which im guessing makes it much easier to use.
looks like the W221 has more room around that bushing so only one removal/install tool is required. The W204 has less space and its showing two different tools needed, one for removal then another for install.
I came across a few tools that look like they may work. Some cheap on ebay then a Baum and a CTA that look more heavy duty with roller bearings. I like the Baum tool from FCP since it has the lifetime warranty if it breaks.
I bought the CTA tool at Amazon resale...check there first before buying, as you can often get great deals on returns. I think people buy things like this, use it once, and send it back.
Regarding the rear multilink suspension...can anyone comment on how one removes parts like the forward thrust arm that have near zero clearance to get an XZN socket in there pinned against the body? I bought a low profile XZN socket, but even with that I can't even fit the socket piece in there, let alone socket and wrench. WIS instructions are not useful.
so the bushes are $15 each ! and a decent tool to press them in and out seems to be about $80 - although those bargains you found would probably get the job done with a bit of a grind on the big bit
Im familiar with the W204 and the W221 should be the same or similar.
Talking about the rear suspension. The only control arm that is easily removed is the spring control arm, basically just unbolt both sides.
For the thrust arm the stop plates have to be removed to access that inner bolt. To remove the stop plates the bolt for the front axle carrier bushings needs to be removed. * When removing this bolt the manual says the threads must be recut and blown out in order to properly torque the new bolts in.
For the other three control arms the front of the axle carrier has to be lowered to access all the inside bolts. Thats why im waiting to do all the control arms at once, even might as well replace the sway bar while the axle carriers lowered.
I've found many great deals on Amazon buying the "Used-Like New" items. Got my Noco Genius 5 charger, Foxwell Mercedes obd scanner, Titan brake flare tool, too much to list. Most were new unopened, but then some things were clearly used and abused and missing parts. Just send it back for a refund.
Kens tool does look home made, nothing wrong with that. Maybe Home Depot bolt and washers? I wonder if the tool would benefit from using roller bearings on them like the higher priced tools seem to have. Must be alot of friction on the bolt and nut while trying to tighten it up.
Found some as an example. No idea if they are the right size:
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.