Rear axle - rubber ring to compensating spring

[TEJOLX47]

Hi guys,

I am currently making some improvements in the rear axle of my 1970 280SL.
I toke it apart and a number of bushings and rubbers needed replacement, so I looked for them in Mercedes-Benz.

The upper bushing on the the veritcal springs were 18mm, as well as the rubber ring that fits the compensating ring (both showing on the picture).
My problem is that MB no longer supplies the 18mm rubber ring for the horizontal spring.
Can you please share your opinions on the consequence of using a 21mm rubber ring on the horizontal spring and use the 18mm bushings on the vertical springs?
Many thanks
Francisco

[Tyler S]

Changing the compensating spring rubber to a larger size will result in more positive camber at the wheels. This may or may not bring the camber out of spec. It all depends what the current camber measurement was/is.

[Shvegel]

I would try the 21mm and if positive camber is a little high you could always reinstall the 18 if need be.  If you are just doing the compensating spring rubbers because you think you should the originals do seem to hold up really well unlike the lower main spring rubbers.

[TEJOLX47]

Many thanks!
Francisco

[Rick]

I ran into the same issue. The thinner rubber is no longer available from any source.  I took the thicker rubber and used a belt sander to thin it down to the original dimension. It only took 5 minutes per rubber ring.  Hold it carefully and be sure you are sanding straight. 

I replaced all the rubber spring bushings and front arm mounts.  It brought the rear suspension to exactly what it should be.