Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: PeterPortugal on December 27, 2019, 11:17:38

Title: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: PeterPortugal on December 27, 2019, 11:17:38

OK guys, how on earth do I fit those pesky rubber buffers (shaped like bullets) into the sockets of the lower wishbones.

The mallet just bounces back off them !!

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: Pawel66 on December 27, 2019, 14:24:07

I have no idea about these particular parts, but usually when I needed to fit thick rubber piece into the small hole (grommet, bumper, etc.) - vaseline lubrication did miracles.

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: 450sl on December 27, 2019, 14:33:18

Indeed, lubricant   then ''Screw" them in.

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: JohnnyC on December 27, 2019, 16:45:41

Perhaps a little warming with a hair dryer (or low setting heat gun) to soften-up the rubber.  I'll be doing the same in the near future, thanks for the heads-up. I thought those would be difficult to install.

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: PeterPortugal on December 27, 2019, 23:23:22

I tried greasing before asking the question. Tomorrow I will try applying some heat too.

Appreciate the replies guys !

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: PeterPortugal on December 28, 2019, 14:51:24

Lubricant, lots of lubricant on both the rubber buffer and the socket it fits into.

I had to get my weight right over it but one it engages it goes straight in.

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: winston the browndog on January 03, 2020, 18:05:36

Do not use ,vaseline or wd-40 or lubricates like that , because if it helps slip things on it will help things slip off as well . You should use dish soap or liquid soap of some kind . The soap will dry out and on longer be slippery .
Paul

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: mbzse on January 03, 2020, 18:41:13

Quote from: winston

.../... You should use dish soap or liquid soap of some kind. The soap will dry out and on longer be slippery

Very useful tip! Especially true for chassis rubber components. Do not apply grease! If this is used, the rubber parts will never "settle" and they may slip out of position, later on

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: PeterPortugal on January 03, 2020, 22:54:37

Guys

I will not remove mine and refit them after the struggle I had but I agree that people should try something like soap first. If it works, it is a better solution.

Regards

Peter

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: specracer on January 08, 2020, 01:24:22

I have used glycerine to install rubber seals etc with success. 

Title: Re: Lower Wishbone / Control Arm Rubber Buffers
Post by: Pawel66 on January 08, 2020, 14:40:05

Quote from: winston the browndog on January 03, 2020, 18:05:36

Do not use ,vaseline or wd-40 or lubricates like that , because if it helps slip things on it will help things slip off as well . You should use dish soap or liquid soap of some kind . The soap will dry out and on longer be slippery .
Paul

I remember, actually, when I was working during holidays at my uncle's tyre service, we used soap water to mount tyres on  rims on the machine. It worked great. It was the 80-ies, communist time, and no special lubricant for that purpose was available, water with soap it had to be.