1972 220D Differential bushing?

[Phil_F_NM]

I'm searching for a differential bushing for my 1972 220D.
All the ones I see for sale are the type found behind the W123 differentials. Where a rectangular "peg" sits inside a metal rhombus-shape carrier inside the bushing center and attaches with two heavy bolts.

Mine is different. It hangs by a single heavy bolt which goes through a similar peg that is a molded part of the diff cover.

Here is a photo of mine:


Any help in finding a replacement for this type of bushing?

Thanks all!
Phil Forrest

[cooljjay]

Answer is in this thread.....don't look at the price though....

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vintage-mercedes/325157-looking-differential-mount-fopr-1972-220d.html

[Phil_F_NM]

Dang, I couldn't find that thread. Maybe it's my search logic.

Regarding the swapping of the diff cover with a later model and using the later bushing, I have a theory it doesn't work properly. I think the later bushing/diff cover combo causes the rear end to sit up too high. If it costs $100+ for the bushing, I'd rather have the proper part in than put the rear end height far too high.

Phil Forrest

[cooljjay]

Agree.....I just skimmed through and seen the part number.....its pricey but in all reality its not crazy....seeing that it is genuine, I would hope it would last just as long as the original....

[Frank Reiner]

The rear diff mount was supplied in two versions for the W114/115 chassis. Yours is the first version. It is completely replaceable and interchangeable with the second version (with a change to the 2nd version rear diff cover). Both place the diff in the same location. The second version went into production sometime in late 1972. Although you are associating the 2nd version with the W123 chassis, it actually was first used (as noted above) in the W114/115 chassis.

[Phil_F_NM]

Although the diff covers may be interchangeable, I'd rather get the original style bushing.
If I am to swap them out, then I have to buy a diff cover and a new bushing which will run me between $60 and $180 for both, depending upon the brand of the bushing and the condition of the diff cover.

Then I get to take off the old diff cover, which I just cleaned and filled less than two months ago when I replaced the CV axles with new ones. So, drain, clean, prep the surfaces of the new cover and the differential, seal it up, wait till the silicone cures, fill the diff, mount the bushing on the diff and finally up onto the frame.

Considering the amount of work and time involved, the old style bushing and a half hour of work from start to finish is worth the cost since I won't need to replace it for at least another decade.

Thanks for the part number and the confirmation that the new style diff cover and bushing will work interchangeably on the old diff and frame.

***UPDATE***
This part is no longer available from Mercedes, Pelican Parts, Benz Parts Wholesale or anywhere I can find in the US. There may be one or two sitting on dusty shelves somewhere at some indy mechanic's place but short of calling them all, I don't know how to find one. I'm going to try Niemoller and Lemfoerder but those are the last options. Is there anyone that custom makes bushings like this?
Even though the newer differential cover will go on and fit with the new bushing, I'd still rather put the proper one on even if it costs me a bit more. I'm just stubborn that way and I hate waiting around for a day while silicone dries before I can drive my car.

Phil Forrest

[cooljjay]

This site says they are available on request...they are in Denmark I believe...

Rubber mounting | Rear Axle | 200D/8 MB w115 spare parts

[Phil_F_NM]

Already on it. I'm awaiting an answer from them.

Phil Forrest

[cooljjay]

Originally Posted by Phil_F_NM

Already on it. I'm awaiting an answer from them.

Phil Forrest

Awesome! Hope you score one....and my idea of thinking, if they have more then one...I would buy a spare too...

[Phil_F_NM]

Got the reply from Niemoller.
They can't get it because it is NLA from Mercedes.

Now I'm waiting on one reply from a Lemfoerder rep then that's it.

There appears to be a company in Thailand that makes them new but I do not have a member account so I can't make inquiries.

Phil Forrest

[cooljjay]

Oh that stinks.....

[Phil_F_NM]

I emailed the Thai company and got non-deliverable bouncbacks on 2 out of three email addresses. I'm hoping that someone at the one that went through knows something.
It's this site:
N.O.K. Industry Co. Ltd. Welcome to NOK Industry, High quality automotive rubber parts in Thailand

Aside from that last option, I'll start calling indy mechanics from the left coast to the right.
Yeah, I'm stubborn.
Regardless, I'm going to pull a differential cover from a post 1972 /8 car in the junkyard on Friday, weather permitting.
Going to also get Trudy a radiator then have it flow tested, painted and pressure tested.
I'll pop the new radiator in, then I'll flush and replace all the green coolant in there with Pentafrost NF and be a little more confident in the cooling system. I'll clean out my heater control valve while I'm at it. I guess she should get a new thermostat too.

Once I flushed the green coolant out of my 300D and replaced it with Pentafrost and put in a new thermostat, the heater blew so much better. Trudy needs all the help she can get since the heater blower is still non-op and I'm not going to have time to rip apart the dash to put in a new motor. I'll probably wire up a 120mm computer fan pulling air through the heater core to get a little flow going in there.

Phil Forrest

[Shortsguy1]

Phil-
You probably investigated this option already, but this company even has a picture of the item. So it might be a possible lead.

4mercs

Super spendy if they do have it.

[Phil_F_NM]

Originally Posted by Shortsguy1

Phil-
You probably investigated this option already, but this company even has a picture of the item. So it might be a possible lead.

4mercs

Super spendy if they do have it.

That was the ticket!
It was pricey, but next time I have to replace it will be in 10+ years.

Thanks a TON for that tip. I hadn't seen 4mercs before and it wasn't coming up in my searches.

Phil Forrest

[Shortsguy1]

Sadly, googling is one of my few talents. haha.

Actually, if you type the part number into Google (without spaces) and then click Images to do a Google Image search, it is the first picture that comes up. I figured that if someone has a picture of the item, there is at least a chance that they aren't just using MB's parts database to fill out their website.

Hope it all works out for you. I have the same older style diff as your car, but will probably do the cover swap when the time comes.