Is there any trick to replacing the inner sway bar bushings (the ones under the fuse box and battery) on a 1982 300SD (126 body)? Can I remove the mounting screws for the fuse box and move it aside just enough to replace the bushing? I figure on the other side, I'll just remove the battery and should have full access.

Thanks. Tom

 

well the normal procedure is removing the outer firewall, along with the brake booster and master cylinder and all climate control hoses and the monovalve and aux pump and battery and battery tray.

Now there have been cases that have been said that you can do the bushings without removign all of that stuff. If you have to remove the whole sway bar all that stuff must go or forget about it.

Now to do just the bushings you'll need a 10 inch or longer extentiion and preferable 1/2 drive (it's huge nuts (19mm) that will take some grunt work). The clamp nuts can be accessed with an extension on the front and back side of the fuse box. After that pry off old bushing, shove new one in there clamp bracket down there and done with it. Now if you dont remove the Master sylinder and brake booster, the space will be a wee tight. If you can manage your fingers in small spaces, then it''s not too hard. But if not, you'll have to move the brake booster and master cylinder out the way and that bushing will be easy.

One last tip: It is said that removing the plastic wheel well cover helps but that plastic can break if ya not careful and leave an unsightly hole.