The right tool will make the job easy on most models from the late 1960's right up into the early 2000's On almost all models except the W201 190E 2.6 you can just reach up inside the tunnel and remove and press in the new bushing with Kent's special tool that we make here in our shop. Without this special tool it is almost impossible. Since these bushings were used from the mid 1960's right up into the early 2000's many are getting so long that they are failing and will need replacing.
Problem & Solution
Common among these chassis:
Bushing tool can be used on the 108 and 109 chassis 250SE 250SEL 280SE 280SEL 300SEL, 114 and 115 chassis 220 230 250 250C 280 280C 240D 300D 1968 to 1976, 107 Chassis 350SL 450SL 450SLC 380SL 560SL 1972 to 1989, 116 chassis 350SE 450SE 450SEL 280SE 280SEL 300SD 1973 to 1980, 123 chassis 1977-1985 Models 230 240D 240TD 280E 280CE 300D 300CD 300TD, 126 chassis 380SE/L 300SD 500SE/L 300SDL 420SE/L 300SE/L 560SE/L 380SEC 560SEC 1981-1991, 201 Chassis 190E and 190D 1984 to 1993 and 124 Chassis 260E 300E 300D 300TD 300TE 300CE E320, 400E, E420 and E300D 1986 to 1995. Also W140, W202, and W210 etc.
LIMITED WORK SPACE ALERT: You will have a real challenge on SOME models since there is so little room to work up alongside the transmission tunnel when replacing the forward bushing. The rear of the transmission will have to be dropped down in order to replace the bushing on the transmission shift arm. This is particularly true with the 190E 2.6 models. On some 190E 2.3 or 190D diesels there may or may not be enough room. On some other models you may or may not want to consider this extra step. If you have room to get the tool up along side the tunnel and can manipulate the tool then you will not need to lower the back of the transmission. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Remember you are not removing the transmission from the engine
- You are just "lowering" the rear of the transmission with it still attached to the engine
- So the engine and transmission drop down together
- No need to disconnect the drive line
- You will need a jack and a large piece of plywood to place between jack and transmission pan
- Go into engine compartement and loosen the plastic fan shroud at the back of radiator
- This will keep the fan from breaking the shroud when you tilt the engine
- If the fan has lots of clearance from the shroud, then you can skip the above step
- The rear of the exhaust system will also need to drop down as you lower the transmission
- Remove the rubber exhaust hangars but keep it tied up loosely with rope
- Do not let the exhaust system just "hang" in the air - hard on manifolds and joints.
- Raise the transmission to take weight of rear rubber transmission mount
- Remove the steel cross plate for the rear transmission mount
- Two bolts on each side of plate that secure it to the cars subframe
- Lower the tranmission down as far as it will go using the jack
- Go slowly since you will be lowering the engine as well
- Lower it down almost as far as it will do
- Do not let the engine and transmission "hang" on their own
- Keep a little pressure on the bottom of the tranmission pan with the jack
- Now you will have more room to work
- But for you 190E 2.6 owners it will still not be easy !!!
- Remove the clip and the rod
- Install the new bushing using the grease to get it to install easily
- Install the rod and clip, raise engine replace the plate and tighten bolts
- Don't forget to reconnect the fan shroud if applicable.