Author Topic: Rusted and misaligned subframe mounts  (Read 503 times)

baon3h

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Rusted and misaligned subframe mounts
« on: July 04, 2025, 03:01:25 »
In my journey to learn more about my car, I removed the subframe mount plate in the engine bay. attached is a picture of what I found. There is some rust, the bolt is in good shape though.

Is that level of rust concerning? I'm considering taking a wire wheel to it and paint it with a rust inhibitor. Also, should there be some sort of rubber piece between the plates?

The other thing I noticed are metal (aluminum?) shavings. After closer inspection it looks like some drilled out the bolt holes to make them align. Why would that be necessary and should I do anything about it?
1968 280SL Manual

clunker

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Re: Rusted and misaligned subframe mounts
« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2025, 13:16:19 »
Although it is by no means optimal that someone should drill out those holes a bit to make it align (letting the vehicle roll and settle is usually enough to get them to lineup) it is likely not critical and you probably do not need to address it further. However others may want weight in as to whether, since these four bolts are the main connecting point of the subframe mount bushing to the frame (whereas the main bolt mounts the subframe mount to the subframe itself), the enlarged opening will compromise the integrity of that connection at all, especially with respect to any lateral movement. I do think that it is probably not significant.

The purpose of the plates is two fold. One is to protect the vehicle in the case of a sub mount failure, the other is to provide a weather seal to prevent corrosion to the critical main subframe bolt. Accordingly, your plate should have a rubberized backing to it. If it does not, you can either replace the plate or clean up the plate and use some rubber inner tube and contact cement to fabricate a two layer replacement. It is indeed a good idea to spray some surface shield in there to prevent rust. Make sure the two small drain holes next to the plates are clear.

Probably good idea to check the status of the actual rubber on the subframe mounts underneath by lifting the car lift the car on each side to separate the subframe from the frame a bit so you can inspect them. But given the presence of those shavings that might be a clue they were replaced at some point already!

Here is an annotated pic from Authentic website showing the rubber backing.
« Last Edit: July 04, 2025, 13:40:17 by clunker »
Charles
1969 US 280SL 4-speed Red/Black
DB9 / 981 S / G300 SWB / CB750 / etc

Pawel66

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Re: Rusted and misaligned subframe mounts
« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2025, 14:41:33 »
During some of the discussions here it was suggested that these plates have a role, among others, of ensuring that the body will not move too much down vs. subframe thus allowing engine to hit the hood (bonnet).
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

BOTIGER1970

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Re: Rusted and misaligned subframe mounts
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2025, 22:57:52 »
I like to have clarified the rubber on the two top plates.  I didn't have any rubber on my plates when I took them off and the replacements didn't come with rubber.  I can't find on Authentic classics where they sell the rubber pads.  Can someone point me in the right direction.
Thanks,
Mark

clunker

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Re: Rusted and misaligned subframe mounts
« Reply #4 on: July 05, 2025, 02:35:51 »
Mark, the rubber pads are 'fused' on the plates so probably not really an available separate part. I took rubber inner tube and cut a larger circle, fixed with contact cement and a smaller circle on top of that. That serves the purpose of keeping the top of the main subframe bolt area sealed and dry from rust/corrosion. Once mounted the rubber backing is not visible.
Charles
1969 US 280SL 4-speed Red/Black
DB9 / 981 S / G300 SWB / CB750 / etc

baon3h

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Re: Rusted and misaligned subframe mounts
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2025, 02:40:10 »
Thank you all for the advice. I'll try to add some rubber, clean up the surface rust. The mounts looks fairly new so I'm glad this is not turning into a big job.

Mark, I found the stops at Niemoeller (https://www.niemoeller.de/en/item/D%2033%20147). They also sell a complete set including mounts.
1968 280SL Manual

ja17

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Re: Rusted and misaligned subframe mounts
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2025, 03:53:10 »
The rubber is not critical. However, it does dampen the noise and shock from metal to metal contact if the mounts are bad and the car is driven on rough roads. These "metal plates" also prevent excessive upward movement of the engine when the mounts are bad.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

 

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