Rear Suspension Lower Control arm

[sunilga]

Hi folks, I am new to this forum. Over the last few weeks I have gained a lot by reading the posts and the manual on this website. I recently acquired a 1971 280 SL, 4 speed manual. It is in pretty good shape but my mechanic advised me that one of the rear suspension lower arms is broken and needs to be replaced (right side). This is the arch shaped metal part that connects from the axle to the chassis for the rear suspension. The car shifts when we drive over a bump or suddenly remove the pressure on the gas pedal while driving.

I have looked for this part at Millers, ebay and with some other part suppliers but cannot find it.

Can anyone advise me where else to look or any other advice

thanks

[thelews]

My advice is not to drive the car with a broken trailing arm!

Did you try Bud's Benz?  Classic Center?

[sunilga]

Thanks, I will try there.

I am not driving it now, but keen to

thanks again

[ctaylor738]

The PN is 110 350 11 29.  It is used on the fintails and probably other models as well.  You should be able to get one from your dealer - the EPC shows it as available. Or try car-part.com and look for a 190,200, 220, or 230 fintail part like a door, and call and ask if they have the trailing arm.

[RickM]

Sunilga,

I Emailed you from my Yahoo account with a possible source in NJ. This gentleman has a '71 SL that he is parting out.  Not much left but worth a try.
Let me know how it works out.

[glenn]

'my mechanic advises',  something is 'broken'  ---PPP? Possible Pagoda Perversion?  A little investigation maybe?  If a trailing arm breaks or rusts loose from the body, it hangs down to the road? no?  Digging into the pavement? Coil spring falling out?   Rear end going in two directions?  Never heard of a trailing arm itself breaking?

[jeffc280sl]

Glenn might have something.  There are 3 rubber bushings associated with the trailing arms.  One up front where the arm connenct to the body.  Two more at the back where it connects to the axle.  Parts are cheap and not too hard to replace.

[sunilga]

Thanks for everyones comments. I think I have it covered for now.

Glenn I do realize that this part does not normally fail. But I saw it when the car was on a lift. Not hanging down yet but the key hole is broken. I did find a replacement.
Thanks again.

[glenn]

What keyhole failed?

[graphic66]

I have one if you need it.