How much play or should there be no play in the guide rods?

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

No perceptible play if you move things by hand.

Play/wear usually manifests as a thud as you come to a stop. Feels like the weight of the car shifts forward on the front axle.

Sixto
87 300D

Are the "Guide Rods" part numbers 35 and 26 at this site?
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=123132&M=617%2E912&GA=722%2E118405&GM=716%2E005++++++++++++++717%2E400&CT=F&cat=222&SID=33&SGR=060&SGN=02

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

35 is a guide rod. 26 is a guide rod bushing. The bushing is what goes bad. You only have to replace the guide rod if it's bent or the threads are rusted beyond use.

Sixto
87 300D

Look at post #4 on this thread, it has a parts list that works good.
Front suspension question

Most of the time you just replace the bushing/joint at the back. Part # 13.

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1983 300SD
200000miles

ok,looks like Ill need an alignment done so I can get it in sync agian

__________________
1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)