Center link clunking -- 86 SDL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

LUVMBDiesels · #1 07-06-2008, 05:34 PM

The suspension on the SDL has developed a squeak. When I go over a bump at low speed it makes a squeak. I put the car uo on ramps and yanked on everrything and the only thing that makes any noise is the center link. It makes a squeak when it is twisted by hand.

I want to replace the center link and the steering damper and would like to know if this is a job I can do with the car on ramps or does the suspension need to be dangling like it would on a lift or jack stands?

I did pull on the center link and it seems like it is not in danger of cominng loose, but the squeak needs to be dealt with. Of course the ends have no greas fittings or I would shoot them full of grease and see what happens to the squeak.

Oh, has anybody used the center link from Spicer or Moog?

Which do you recommend?

sixto · #2 07-06-2008, 06:04 PM

Center link and steering damper can be done with the wheels on ramps.

Check the idler arm bushings while you're down there.

Sixto
87 300D

LUVMBDiesels · #3 07-06-2008, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Center link and steering damper can be done with the wheels on ramps.

Check the idler arm bushings while you're down there.

Sixto
87 300D

Cool, thanks!

Johnhef · #4 07-06-2008, 07:51 PM

make sure you have a fork to knock the joints apart, after all these years they can be a pita. I've got one if you want to do it here

otherwise advance auto parts sells one, just make sure you have a hammer with some balls to hit it with. you can also poke a small hole in the boot and squirt some lube in it to see if the noise goes away.

sixto · #5 07-06-2008, 07:59 PM

I give it a go with a separator like in the picture. If that doesn't do it, I keep the separator on as tight as can be then smack the stud with a mallet. You'd better be in umpire's gear if you try that

Sixto
87 300D

Hit Man X · #6 07-06-2008, 09:04 PM

Moog makes quality domestic stuff, I rebuilt the front end on my F150 with their bits.

If your steering is tired, I'd go ahead and do the tie rod ends (not the entire rod, save yourself some cash) too, the damper, and the idler arm bushing. Then a good alignment.

barry123400 · #7 07-06-2008, 10:36 PM

If there is absolutly no slack movement in the centre joints get a large syringe with a large needle from a drug store. There are some very large needles. Warm up some grease load the syringe and inject it through the boot. Just tell the druggist you are a mercedes junky with a big habit.

Johnhef · #8 07-06-2008, 10:52 PM

syringe, thats a good idea, smaller hole and less leaks out over time

Hatterasguy · #9 07-06-2008, 11:30 PM

Nah doesn't matter if the suspension is loaded or off the ground. Replace the bushings in the idler arm, and steering shock while you are at it. Might as well, they are cheap and make a pleasent difference.

LUVMBDiesels · #10 07-07-2008, 09:34 AM

Thanks for the information!

My center link joints are loose to the point where I can swing the link back and forth about 90 degrees. It is when it gets to the and of the travel that I get the squeak. I also get a ringing noise when the rod hits the case on the sterring damper. I looked at everything else and all the bushings, tie rod ends, & etc look pretty new. There are no cracks or deterioration in any of the rubber parts.

I will get a center link and a steering damper and see if that does away with the noise.

I will hold off on the rest of the steering gear as it steers tight with no bump steer.

redassag00 · #11 07-07-2008, 09:40 AM

Last time I bought Moog tie rods, which was more expensive than the dealer by a buck or two, inside the box was a OEM Mercedes tie rod with the MB star stamped in a few places.