Took my 1992 300D in for a tire rotation and balance and an alignment check. The alignment didn't seem to be off, but I always check it whenever I rotate and balance. After I got the car back, it pulled to the right, and I don't think I did anything (pot holes, etc.), to knock it out of alignment. When I took it back, I was told that, when they originally checked the alignment, they used the wrong specs (the ones for the E Series). But now they claim they can't align it because both inner tie rod ends are "frozen." and need to be replaced. So, to give them the beneift of the doubt, I figure they moved/adjusted something, but now they can't move it back.

My questions:

1. Does all this sound on the up and up, or does it sound suspicious?

2. While the car now resides in TX, it spent most of its life in PA...with lots of salt. With 155,000 miles on it, is this a typical time that some work needs to be done on the front end?

Thanks.

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14 E250 Bluetec "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 153k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 171k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver, 142k mi, wastegate conversion

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

155k miles sounds pretty typical (in my opinion) for a front end rebuild. Look underneath at the rubber boots on the tie rods and ball joints and if the rubber pieces are deteriorated/torn up then the alignment shop could possibly be on the level. If the boots are in good condition take it to another alignment shop that knows these cars.

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Jim

If the tires are well used, rotating them can cause the pull -- you have a bad tire on the front now.

Rust frozen tie rod ends are very common on these cars from up north. They don't get adjusted much since they don't wear much, and that sleeve over the threads will corrode into the thread something terrible.

I've replaced one tie rod end, and will never do another. Just replace the tie rod complete. doesn't cost much more, and you will save yourself an incredible amount of frustration and hammering. The threads are pretty iffy it you have to beat on it to get it free anyway.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!