Front end replacement ?

[settle10]

I'm looking to replace several parts on the front end of my '82 Euro 240D and was looking at purchasing the following kit. I've already installed new Bilstein shocks and would like input on other components that I can replace while I'm doing the job. Does anyone have any experience with this kit?

Thanks for the info.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=120309590169#ShippingPayment

[blackestate]

I would also add the guide rod mount and bushings.

[qwerty]

Buying no-name car parts on Ebay is not a good idea. When the price is too good to be true, you should know that you are not getting OEM parts.

Recently, someone was selling a brand called "German Made." Guess where it was manufactured. (Hint: It wasn't Germany; it was a much larger country.)

Buy your parts from a reputable distributor. There are way too many potential pitfalls when it comes to buying car parts on Ebay.

[DubMutant]

Yeah, buy Genuine MB parts from Phil or the OEM equivalent and you will not be left with parts that don't fit, fit poorly or break faster than a tree in a tornado.
Ask me how I know...

[settle10]

I was hoping to get some input on the parts also.

Thanks,

[winmutt]

I have this kit. Wouldn't recommend it. Had more stuff than I needed and was missing some crucial stuff like the LCA -> strut rod bushing. Or the strut rod joint. One BJ boot is torn already (however may be my fault) and one UCA bushing is cracked.

[blackestate]

How many miles on your car? How does everything look? I just replaced everything at 300K+ and a lot of it was ok.
I would take a pry bar and see what moves.
Look at the boots on the steering. If broken change it. If it moves and should not change it.
I would go with upper and lower ball joints, and guide rod bushings and mount.

[settle10]

The car has 136k miles. The lower ball joints are the main problem as the boots are completely gone and the boots on the tie rods are cracked also. I just figured since I was going to have it apart I would change additional components. Is there a basic schematic that names and points out all the suspension components.

Thanks,

[winmutt]

If you get that kit you will do the LCA bearing which means removing the springs. Inspect those, they will change it from a 1 day operation to a full weekend. If you do replace the LCA bearing to the LCA strut rod bushing while you have the springs out. Make sure you use the proper Klann or similar clone spring compressor.

[DeliveryValve]

Originally Posted by winmutt

..... LCA bearing .?.??.?..

Do you mean LCA bushing?

[winmutt]

Originally Posted by DeliveryValve

Do you mean LCA bushing?

No, the LCA bearing. The FSM calls it a bearing, everywhere else call it a bushing. It is where the LCA meets the frame.

[DeliveryValve]

Originally Posted by winmutt

No, the LCA bearing. The FSM calls it a bearing, everywhere else call it a bushing. It is where the LCA meets the frame.

Ok... Got it.

But interesting... Fastlane calls it Bushing.

http://catalog.peachparts.com/RenderScriptTemplate.epc?_cmd=epccat_VehicleAAA&cookieID=2H70ZUV682H70ZYVW3&yearid=1985%40%401985&makeid=MB%40%40MB%40%40X&modelid=300%2DCDT%2D001%40%40300CD++Turbo&catid=L%40%40Suspension&mode=PA&subcatid=L2040@@Control+Arm+Bushing+Kit

[mobetta]

FSM calls lots of bushings bearings. I wonder who translated it? prolly not an auto tech.

[BoomInTheTrunk]

Listen to the others, just go with Genuine parts, you will never have to worry about it again.

[blackestate]

at 136K, I would look for anything else that has cracked boots. and change that. I would guess after looking at my bushings at 300K that 136 they should be just fine.