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Idler arm bushing replacement question.

Started by Engineerd3d, 22 June 2021, 10:45 AM

Engineerd3d

So I went ahead and did a driveway idler arm bushing replacement as well as the worn out damper. So far the steering feel is much improved. The rest of the steering seems right.

Now on to the question. The steering idler did not have a spacer when I removed the old bushings. I know watching a w126 video it showed a bushing. Does the w116 have a bushing? If it's supposed to have it what is the thickness? I can make one out of steel on my lathe if needs be. I can say the steering is much improved and the creaking I got from the old idler is gone. However I am not sure how w116 steering is supposed to feel.

Thank you for your help.

Max-NL

Looking at the service manual it seems that the spacer is optional. So it could be that yours don't have one.

Look at step 13: https://handbook.w116.org/handbook/Chassis/46-520.pdf
1971 R107 350 SL
1972 W108 280 SEL 3.5
1975 W116 280 S
1975 W116 450 SEL 6.9 #140
1977 W123 230
1992 W124 230 CE
2001 Ducati Monster S4

daantjie

This point is described in the service manual under 46.3-520, the manual states to make note of the washer "if fitted".  In typical Benz fashion there is a special tool (116 589 13 21 00) to measure "height of ball point position between pitman arm and intermediate steering arm".  It further describes the spec and how to correct in 40.3.320
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

Engineerd3d

Wow, thank you for the quick reply. I feel much better now. The vehicle tracks straight and the old bearings were rusted. Possible original ones as the rubber was completely shot. For now I will keep an eye out.