=====Guide Rod, Lower Control Arm Bushing and Eccentric Pin Replacement =====
====on the 1985 300SD====
===by whunter===
===11/15/06===

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This is the perfect time to replace the lower control arm bushing and Eccentric Pin.

Loosen the front wheel bolts.
Raise and support the front end.
Remove the front tire.
Remove the spring, special spring compressor required.
http://www.peachparts.com/diy/w126guiderod/spring_tool.jpg

Remove the lower shock absorber bolts.
Separate the lower ball joint from the lower control arm.
Mark the position, and remove the Eccentric Pin from the lower control arm.
http://www.peachparts.com/diy/w126guiderod/eccentric_pin.jpg

Separate the lower control arm from the body.
Remove the lower spring seat plate from the lower control arm.
Remove the Guide rod to control arm mount bolt.
Remove the lower control arm from the car.
MARK the union threads of the guide rod mount, so you will know where to stop screwing on the new guide rod.
http://www.peachparts.com/diy/w126guiderod/guide_rod_mount.jpg

Loosen the clamp on #14 in the picture, and hold the guide rod mount with a wrench, while using a large pipe wrench to unscrew the old guide rod.
http://www.peachparts.com/diy/w126guiderod/1985_300sd_suspension.gif

Lubricate the guide rod mount threads with grease, gently thread the new guide rod on by hand, as far as possible, then hold the guide rod mount with a wrench, while using a large pipe wrench to screw the new guide rod on, tighten the clamp on #14 in the picture.
http://www.peachparts.com/diy/w126guiderod/guide_rod.jpg

Remove the Guide rod bushings from the lower control arm, and clean the mounting area.
http://www.peachparts.com/diy/w126guiderod/guide_rod_bushing.jpg

Remove both of the inner control arm bushing caps.
http://www.peachparts.com/diy/w126guiderod/lower_control_arm_bushing.jpg

Drive out the old inner control arm bushing.
Install the new inner control arm bushing.
Install the new inner control arm bushing caps, (a heavy thread or light fishing line works well to hold them in place for body installation).
Insert the guide rod into the lower control arm.
Use a floor jack to press the inner lower control arm into the body.
Use a large tapered punch to align the Eccentric Pin body holes with the lower control arm.
Install the new Eccentric Pin into the lower control arm, align it to the mark and tighten.
Install the Guide rod mount bushings.
Install the Guide rod to control arm mount bolt. (use Loctite thread adhesive)
Install the lower spring seat plate to the lower control arm. (use Loctite thread adhesive)
Install the spring, but do not release it yet.
Install the ball joint, and tighten. (use Loctite thread adhesive)
Install the lower shock absorber bolts. (use Loctite thread adhesive)
Release the spring compressor, and remove the tool.
Install front tire, and snug (best possible) wheel bolts.
Lower the car.
Torque all wheel bolts.

FYI:
Here are the related W126 procedure DIY links:
[[http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126GuideRodMount Suspension Bearing Bracket guide rod mount replacement on the 1985 300SD]]
[[http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=92874 DIY Bearing Bracket guide rod mount replacement for Mercedes Benz 300SD.]]
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[[http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=170478 Discussion of this DIY can be found here.]]

**- whunter**
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CategoryDiy