The Forum

Garage => Mechanicals => Topic started by: Engineerd3d on 22 June 2021, 10:45 AM

Title: Idler arm bushing replacement question.
Post by: Engineerd3d on 22 June 2021, 10:45 AM
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.
Title: Re: Idler arm bushing replacement question.
Post by: Max-NL on 22 June 2021, 10:59 AM
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 (https://handbook.w116.org/cd/Chassis/46-520.pdf)
Title: Re: Idler arm bushing replacement question.
Post by: daantjie on 22 June 2021, 11:03 AM
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
Title: Re: Idler arm bushing replacement question.
Post by: Engineerd3d on 22 June 2021, 01:33 PM
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.