Things That Go Bump in the Rear (Chet Hwilka - 08/10/07)

For the longest time I had an annoying THUMP in the rear everything I went over the slightest bump.  I tried a couple things to remedy this annoyance, like replaced sub-frame mounts, differential mounts, play with exhaust system hangers and rear shock mounts (the little rubber doughnuts at the top of the shock), but no good.  Then just for fun I decided the replace the 2 plastic links that connect the end of the rear stabilizer bar to the rear brake back plates.  And that was it..  They are cheap about $10 each.  So if you're experiencing a similar problem give them a shot.

Disclaimer

The following procedure was done on my 1989 560 SEC and I can't say if this procedure will apply to other years and/or models.  This procedure worked for me and anyone else should use this writeup only as a reference.  
  

Procedure (Ref to Job# 32-310 step-3)

The was really very simple, the hardest part was jacking up the car and removing the wheel.  First be sure to block the front wheels, because you may have to jack up both side of the rear.  Jack up the rear and remove the tire.  Note, before removing the plastic link, I also jacked up the other side of the car to take any torque on the link, since the two are connected to the two independent rear axles through the stabilizer bar.  Use an open end wrench (I think 17mm) to loosen and remove the link from the backplate.  The link screws directly to the plate, so don't worry about a nut falling off inside the parking brake drum area.  Then use two wrenches to remove the link from the stabilizer bar.   
Install in reverse order..
Do the same for the other side.
And that's it..

Old Links	Worn Joint and torn boot