PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Squiggle Dog · #4 08-11-2011, 09:19 PM

Sadly, I don't have much good news about the 300SD. Last year I purchased 5 used, matching, proper size tires with plenty of tread. Now the casings are coming apart, the tread is wavy, and the tires hop. When I drive the front end shimmies and the steering wheel vibrates. When I travel above 60 MPH the shaking is violent. Not long ago I replaced the steering box with a C&M rebuild and all suspension components are recent. The steering was perfect. Now the car pulls hard to the right and shimmies violently. The dealer won't even align the car until I buy new tires. So I've got to save up for new tires. I'm TIREd of dealing with used tires because even when they have plenty of tread they seem to dry rot and deteriorate in short time. Oh, I also found a big nail stuck in the tread of the front tire...

Also, the previous owner installed used, mismatched front calipers (one side is an ATE and the other side is a Bendix). All 4 rotors are polished and worn very thin. I have to put lots of pressure on the pedal to stop and the wheels tend to lock up. So I need to replace the calipers, rotors, and pads soon.

I noticed that the shock absorbers are starting to leak oil.

The rainy season will be here soon and I need to replace all of the weatherstripping so I'm not driving around in a leaking, fogged up car. This is going to cost some money.

Biodiesel is near $6 a gallon so now I have to use diesel. My last oil change cost $120 doing it myself.

There's something weird about the shape of the front fenders that won't allow me to completely bolt on the under-headlight overriders. I've tried different pairs, but it almost looks like the entire front end shifted from a previous crash or the front core support from another car was welded on...

The good news is that I just purchased a pair of complete new old stock taillights with bulb holders, so I will have new taillights with rubber seals to keep the trunk dry. I sold a pair of old Zenith carburetors that I had no use for for $150, then used that money to purchase the taillights, so it was a good trade with no out-of-pocket expense.

Oh, and I'm losing my job of 4 years next month due to my contract being taken over by a non-profit organization that hires disabled people. I'm too healthy and too able to keep my job. Thanks, Obama.