Anyone know how to replace the strut mount rubber? I have the strut off but not sure how to get the rubber bushing off. I take it you
loosen the square bolt/sensor with a socket/impact wrench? I tried a 27mm, too big, and a 24mm to small. I guess it's a 25 or 26 but I don't have those..
Not sure if I have the correct bushings either. They don't quite look the same.

 

Mr Marco,

Did you replace the original bushings with the Chinese Orange? I changed my front strut covers on my R230. On driver's side only had about 2/3 of original bushing left. Went ahead anyway. So far so good. Not so on the passenger side. Now I'm getting rattling over potholes coming I'm sure from the strut. Had nothing prior. I had rubber falling off the bushing when I was installing the dust cover. The bushing is disintegrating. I was hoping I had enough left. Guess not. I'd like to know about your experience.
Bill

 

My bushings/pads got much worse since the above pictures and my struts started rattling more over small bumps.
I found this video on how the pads are secured. He is doing it the hard way. You don't need to do any hammering, just use a gear puller, ball joint press or tie rod press (I can't remember which one I used) and pop the top metal plate off of each bolt. You don't need to remove the bolts from the bottom plate. The orange pad is not rubber but a solid piece of plastic pretty much, like he shows in the video. It stopped the rattling on the passenger side but it now seems a bit harsh over small bumps. You can find them on Amazon now. I didn't do the driver side, I just tightened down the three bolts under the hood and that stopped the rattling on the driver side. I'll be getting some Arnott struts so I didn't take it any further.

 

Thanks for the reply. You have helped me by confirming the rattle issue is worn-out strut rubber. I've had the car for 2 years and have not had suspension problems before this. I don't want to take that strut off again but it should be easier this time. The person who did the original video told me he had rattle with the orange mount installed but I think I'll go ahead using your method. If the orange isn't quite thick enough maybe a shims or spacers are required to lock it down.

I was interested in your comment on replacement struts. I'd hope to drive my car until the struts leak. Is Arnott better than RMT? I have no idea. I look at the RMT $750 rebuilt exchange price for 2 front struts. Guess I should start researching the issue.

 

I sent emails to Arnott and RMT asking for details on the bushing they are using with their strut. The RMT has a black color and Arnott's is a maroon color.

 

I have also been looking for good bushing since coilover conversion. That's clever to ask RMT and Arnott. Have they responded @bill'sMB ?

 

RMT replied. They only sell struts as a complete unit. I installed the harder rubber red Chinese-made bushing you can see in this thread. Works great with the original ABC strut that is working properly.