Originally Posted by psfred

Plantman: Check the upper control arm ball joint on that W126, too. It must not open and close with changes in load -- best way to check is to jack the car up a bit to twist the sway bar and attempt to "close" it with a pair of large channellocks. If it moves more than a few millimeters, replace it before it jumps out and the wheel lays over.... If the boot is torn, replace upper control arm reguardless (ball joint isn't available separately).

You can check the track rod bushing by lifting the rubber boot on the firewall off -- any distortion of the bushing underneath indicates a need for replacement. If it's causing directional instability on braking, it will be obvious.