hi guys, what is teh best way to start trouble shooting suspension/steering problems. (1980 euro 300d) my car is all over the road. i have tried to remove some play from the steering box and that removed a little,but the total free play is less then 1 inch, which MB says is ok. the uppercontrol arms are new.....the car does not pull left or right, and when you are on a very smooth road with not much crown,it actually tracks straight with not too much wondering around. BUT get on a high crown road or one that has some ruts worn in it and HOLD ON! i dont dare take it out once winter hits. it seems to just have a mind of its own, when going down the road you have to make constant corrections to keep it in the proper lane,it doesnt actually go where you point it (ie,steering box too tight) it just wonders constantly left and right, could this be tie rods? the bushings on the idler arm are worn and the steering makes a loud rubbing noise when you turn the wheel on the right side.......wheres the best place to start?

Check all steering and suspension components for slop. Start with idler arm bushings and tie rod ends. I have seen (heard?) ball joints making some nasty noises, right before big time failure.

Do you mean the road wheel or the steering wheel?? It could be that you have a failing wheel bearing on the front, which gives you a very short life expectancy if it's not fixed immediately.

far as i can tell, the creaking/slash rubbing noise is coming from the idler arm