Could have been worse, man. People die every day in accidents. I almost did from a bad accident one day. Be glad it's just a bent arm or so.

I hope everyone out there FORCES others to watch the VW commercial about "Safe Happens". The guys are driving to work, normal as can be, then WHAMMO!!! Big crash. That's how they happen.

You got off easy, pal.

jeff
1991 300d

Well, my dad wanted to get a spring compressor anyway, so he ordered one the other day. No idea what brand/quality/size. He said it would fit. Anyway, I am going to order a guide rod and replace that, and then see how it is. A few questions, though.

1. Is there any way to replace the guide rod without compressing the spring? It seems like you almost could if that stupid bolt wasn't under the coil.

2. This is probably the worst question, but will I need an alignment after a guide rod replacement? I would think so.

Thanks for your help all. I also am lucky. I opted to hit the curb instead of careening into a busy street down at the bottom of the hill.

__________________
'79 240D 4 speed manual 105k miles

#1. It is not safe to attempt without the compressor.
#2. Yes, you must align the front end after this repair.

Have a great day.

__________________
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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
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Well, today's the day. Got the compressor, guide rod + bushings (hope the mount is ok, it looked fine.) Will write back after I am done, hafta get an alignment too. Is there any reason to take it to a special shop for the alignment? A local shop has a coupon for 30 buck alignments right now.

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'79 240D 4 speed manual 105k miles

The w123 alignement requires a "spreader bar" to set proper toe, IIRC. If the $30 shop can do the aligment properly, then they should be ok. You need to ask them if they have the spreader bar.

__________________
RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

The choice of who to do the alignment is not totally yours. Most of the modern computors for alignment will not allow their program for 123s to activate if the owner of the machine does not have a spreader bar installed. I found a guy with an older fmc machine. It does not even have the provision available for it and the 123 program comes up. It is not as good as being done with the proper equipment. Yet still has to be far better than having nothing done. More so if your alignment is way out. Just my two cents worth..

I see nothing in the posts about replacing the spindle. I hate to put a break in the action but that spindle is likely bent too. If it was mine that spindle would be replaced with a known good one while it was apart.

__________________
1984 280SEL, 62,000 miles
Euro model in the USA
1983 300D (Totaled out 10/2004)
New Factory Mint Green paint
Palomino int
1982 240D (Steak dinner for two)

I hit a curb like that with a domestic car way back when. Upper and lower arms, spindle, tierod all had to be replaced. Not sure I would trust anything on that side again. Try to find a good boneyard. RT

__________________
When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Well, I got the new guide rod replaced today, along with a new bushing and everything back together. I didn't replace the mount. I did compress the spring, and while I would not necessarily recommend it to others, I used a cheap Harbor Freight compressor and an extra dose of precaution. the PO had replaced the springs about 5k ago, so they were reluctant. Anyway, it looks ok now, havent driven it yet cause the battery is dead and it is cold outside. I am done for the night.

The spindle is ok I think, but my deduction on that is I didnt hit the curb very hard + wheel still spins freely + no bad noises. I will get an alignment soon. Going to see how it is before I replace any more parts.

I will post a picture of the old guide rod soon, its bent bad. May keep it as a trophy.

Thanks to everyone and this board for the indispensable help!

__________________
'79 240D 4 speed manual 105k miles

Sounds like we are working on similar issues, though mine is a W124: HELP! W124 Hit Curb at 40+MPH! [56K Warning] I don't get into diesel discussion often...

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

Well, all is replaced and I drove the car around today. It finally thawed enough I could get it out of my alley. It seems to be ok, but the alignment is off, the steering wheel is about 30 degrees off center. But an alignment should finish this job! thanks for all the help.

__________________
'79 240D 4 speed manual 105k miles