Rear End Lateral Adjustment

[Harry]

As part of dropping the rear end on my 1966 230SL, I am in the process of disassembling the mount through the frame that is used to adjustment to rear end such that the wheels are driving in line with the centerline of the car.  There is the part that bolts to the rear end, the locknut on the threaded rod that runs through the chassis, a nut on the other side of the chassis and outboard of the rubber bushing also on that side, and a lightweight jam nut that tightens against the prior nut.  (I hope this description is clear/familiar to those who have done this work.)

I have loosened the light weight jam nut and I am now trying to loosen the 19mm nut on that same side but it is being really stubborn against the rubber bushing.  I just want to be sure that I am following the right steps to remove this whole assembly. Any experience to share?

Thanks,
Harry

[dirkbalter]

Harry,
I have done it and don’t recall any problems. You can also detach that unit from the rear end.

[Harry]

Thanks Dirk.  What is the illustration from?  (Just curious.).  I’m also replacing the rubber in this adjuster so I’ll need to remove it.  Looks like doing that requires disassembling from the outside in.  Thanks again.

[dirkbalter]

Harry,
It’s from a Haynes manual I believe. You will have to remove the mounting plate that bolts to the frame and holds the inner rubber. It’s a bunch of 10mm bolts and a nut. Depending on the condition you may want to soak the for a while.

[Harry]

I probably have that Haynes manual.  LOL.  Yes - had to soak bolts/nuts and still a big deal.  57 years tends to seize those things together.  I ended up doing that and using two nuts tightened against each other to free the nut under the locknut on the wheelside.  It was really locked tight.  After getting it free, the rest was relatively uneventful.  Disassembled from outside in.  Thanks again for the cross section - big help.