SL/R230: R230 Rear subframe bushing replacement
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 103
Likes: 6
2007 CL550, 2005 SL500, 1984 380SL 1985 Mustang GT
R230 Rear subframe bushing replacement
I finally got around to replacing my rear subframe bushings on 05 SL500 with 135k miles. I attempted a couple times but had to order the proper kit to replace the bushing and it made it so easy. The tool was around $500! I only ordered the forward rear bushings and should have got all 4 but I didn't. the old ones were toast. If anyone wants to attempt it, first order the tool. Then...
Jack and support the car on rear side with enough room to drop the rear. a little higher than normal. you will need to slide under the dropped suspension.
put jack under rear
remove the 2 flat bars that go from side to the center
remove support for exhaust at rear of transmission tunnel
pop the mufflers off the rubber hangers. you cant do it without doing this
take lower bolt off struts
cut the wire tie on the angle sensors? that is behind the control arm in the center of the car. the wire goes up through the floor. keep your eye on this as you drop the rear as to not stretch.
remove clamp for strut hose on floor. not sure if this is needed but it is easy
take out the 4 subframe bolts. take note of the washer on the forward bushing for direction. then lower the subframe slow!
keep your eye on the angle sensor wire
if you have a second jack you can jack one side under the control arm to make the opposite side drop lower for room
when you put the tool on dont let it try to thread into the bolt hole above it. it may damage it then you are fd
not orientation of bushings so the are installed in the proper direction. use other side as guide or take a pic
put it all back together.
I may rent out the tool or sell it. Or keep it. I am sure I will have another SL
Jack and support the car on rear side with enough room to drop the rear. a little higher than normal. you will need to slide under the dropped suspension.
put jack under rear
remove the 2 flat bars that go from side to the center
remove support for exhaust at rear of transmission tunnel
pop the mufflers off the rubber hangers. you cant do it without doing this
take lower bolt off struts
cut the wire tie on the angle sensors? that is behind the control arm in the center of the car. the wire goes up through the floor. keep your eye on this as you drop the rear as to not stretch.
remove clamp for strut hose on floor. not sure if this is needed but it is easy
take out the 4 subframe bolts. take note of the washer on the forward bushing for direction. then lower the subframe slow!
keep your eye on the angle sensor wire
if you have a second jack you can jack one side under the control arm to make the opposite side drop lower for room
when you put the tool on dont let it try to thread into the bolt hole above it. it may damage it then you are fd
not orientation of bushings so the are installed in the proper direction. use other side as guide or take a pic
put it all back together.
I may rent out the tool or sell it. Or keep it. I am sure I will have another SL
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 184
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Will file for later. Thanks for posting.
Is this the kit https://www.germanspecialtytools.com...230-front-rear
Has anyone done the job without the kit? Seems really expensive.
Is this the kit https://www.germanspecialtytools.com...230-front-rear
Has anyone done the job without the kit? Seems really expensive.
Banned
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 209
Likes: 3
just looking
I finally got around to replacing my rear subframe bushings on 05 SL500 with 135k miles. I attempted a couple times but had to order the proper kit to replace the bushing and it made it so easy. The tool was around $500! I only ordered the forward rear bushings and should have got all 4 but I didn't. the old ones were toast. If anyone wants to attempt it, first order the tool. Then...
Jack and support the car on rear side with enough room to drop the rear Deck Builder Arlington. a little higher than normal. you will need to slide under the dropped suspension.
put jack under rear
remove the 2 flat bars that go from side to the center
remove support for exhaust at rear of transmission tunnel
pop the mufflers off the rubber hangers. you cant do it without doing this
take lower bolt off struts
cut the wire tie on the angle sensors? that is behind the control arm in the center of the car. the wire goes up through the floor. keep your eye on this as you drop the rear as to not stretch.
remove clamp for strut hose on floor. not sure if this is needed but it is easy
take out the 4 subframe bolts. take note of the washer on the forward bushing for direction. then lower the subframe slow!
keep your eye on the angle sensor wire
if you have a second jack you can jack one side under the control arm to make the opposite side drop lower for room
when you put the tool on dont let it try to thread into the bolt hole above it. it may damage it then you are fd
not orientation of bushings so the are installed in the proper direction. use other side as guide or take a pic
put it all back together.
I may rent out the tool or sell it. Or keep it. I am sure I will have another SL
Jack and support the car on rear side with enough room to drop the rear Deck Builder Arlington. a little higher than normal. you will need to slide under the dropped suspension.
put jack under rear
remove the 2 flat bars that go from side to the center
remove support for exhaust at rear of transmission tunnel
pop the mufflers off the rubber hangers. you cant do it without doing this
take lower bolt off struts
cut the wire tie on the angle sensors? that is behind the control arm in the center of the car. the wire goes up through the floor. keep your eye on this as you drop the rear as to not stretch.
remove clamp for strut hose on floor. not sure if this is needed but it is easy
take out the 4 subframe bolts. take note of the washer on the forward bushing for direction. then lower the subframe slow!
keep your eye on the angle sensor wire
if you have a second jack you can jack one side under the control arm to make the opposite side drop lower for room
when you put the tool on dont let it try to thread into the bolt hole above it. it may damage it then you are fd
not orientation of bushings so the are installed in the proper direction. use other side as guide or take a pic
put it all back together.
I may rent out the tool or sell it. Or keep it. I am sure I will have another SL
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 365
From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
If you are non-ABC with original struts, I would start there. Outside of that, check the cylindrical ball joint at the bottom of the wheel carrier. They tend to get pretty sloppy.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 103
Likes: 6
2007 CL550, 2005 SL500, 1984 380SL 1985 Mustang GT
If you are handy you can jack the car up and see how far the subframe is from the frame. Put a prybar or big screw driver in between them and see if there is a lot of movement. It is mostly the front bushing that gets worn. There will be noticeable movement if worn. You may also look for tears in the rubber
