400E rear suspension help

[Tame55]

Hi,
New forum member here.

I am looking for help identifying this broken part on my rear passenger side suspension. Pictures are with wheel off the car.

A few weeks back I started hearing a noise like a spring releasing slightly, followed more recently by a clunking noise from the rear.
Changed out my winters yesterday and noticed this broken part.

Thanks,
Luke

 

[sheward]

That looks to me to be a sway bar link. I'm guessing your car has spent some time in the northern climate by the presence of corrosion.

drew

 

[nocfn]

Common on w126. Carrier bushing and link r/r. Lots of corrosion, perhaps you paint spring with por-15 some.

 

[gsxr]

That looks to me to be a sway bar link. I'm guessing your car has spent some time in the northern climate by the presence of corrosion.

drew

Drew is correct. Sway bar plastic end link is broken. It's supposed to look like this:

 

[Kyiv]

And that's the part #

 

[Tame55]

HI all,
Thanks for the quick responses!

Firstly yes, this car has seen a lot of salt over the years. First half of its life on the East Coast and more recent years here in MN.
Some might argue I have this backwards, but once I found my wagon the 400E became my winter car (its has rust and 200+ miles)

So now the part has been identified, and given that this is my winter driver, opinions on what to replace?
Just the Plastic end link?
Or
Look into starting a rear suspension rebuild?

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/2103509999MY

Cheers,
Luke

 

[gsxr]

Luke,

First, avoid Meyle like the plague. Click here for more info on manufacturers.

Second, in general I wouldn't bother with replacing all the rear links, unless there are some with visibly (or, significantly) worn rubber bushings. The most common wear item is the lower support joint in the wheel carrier, which is likely toast if original - search the forum for more info. These are cheap (buy either Lemforder, or OE) and usually easy to replace, but require a special tool for R&R.

If you really want to replace something on the rear end, the four large round subframe mounts to the chassis tend to be worn out by 200kmi, more than the linkage arms. However with the amount of rust visible on your car, I'd be nervous about attempting this, in case the nut welded to the body breaks off. Might be better to drive the car as-is for now, and keep an eye out for a rust-free replacement at the right price...

BTW, welcome to the forum!

 

[Tame55]

Dave,
I will definitely add Meyle to URO under brands I need to avoid. I purchased a URO thermostat for the 400E that lasted all of 3 months, I guess you learn the hard way sometimes!
I found a genuine Merc replacement via Pelican for the sway bar plastic end link and will take another look at the aforementioned parts before ordering it, in case I decide to make additional rear suspension repairs.

Thanks again for your opinion,
Luke

 

[gerryvz]

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