Bought a new friend for Bodhi ... 240D Euro Delivery - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BodhiBenz1987 · #61 03-29-2009, 05:30 PM

... so I've finally had a chance to get a few things done on this little car, and I've almost got a driver. I just need to get an alignment and (knock on wood) I can cruise around in it more. I did have a chance to drive it a bit after replacing the calipers, but it really was braking rough so I went for Extreme Brake Makeover. Here's the stuff I've taken care of so far (FWIW, my parts total has been about $500):

Replaced front calipers (Bendix remans)
Replaced front brake discs (OE)
Replaced rubber brake lines
Flushed/bled brake fluid and clutch circuit
Replaced tie rods (OE)
Removed, cleaned and repacked front inner and outer wheel bearings
Changed air filter
Changed oil/oil filter
Replaced seal rings on leaking IP banjo bolt
Replaced all return lines
Replaced oil filter cap gasket
Repainted plastic grille insert
Replaced hood pull

Brakes work beautifully now ... and I feel better knowing the bearing are in good order. Most of that stuff I was doing for the first time so I feel pretty accomplished for getting it done.

Up next:
Lube throttle linkage (bigtime sticky)
Flush coolant/replace radiator cap (need to flush 300D too)
Fix door locks (definitely a vacuum issue ...diagnosis pending)
Replace primer pump
Replace primary fuel filter
Valve adjustment/replace valve cover gasket
Lower ball joints?

Still getting a creak ... I have a feeling the alignment shop will point that out to me, plus who knows what else.

I'm hoping soon I can line up the obligatory photo of the 300D and 240D, once I get them both looking pretty.

mytmousemalibu · #62 03-29-2009, 06:00 PM

Arnt projects great! Sounds like me when i got the SD. A lot of maintnace i had to do. I just did my front brakes last week too. Pads, rotors, clean & service wheel bearings and I rebuilt my ATE calipers and bleed it all with my own pressure bleeder! Glad it was last week, we got a bunch of sleet Fri-Sat. Good job!

BodhiBenz1987 · #63 04-01-2009, 01:39 AM

Finally got the boys together ...

Got an alignment on the 240D today ... unfortunately the UCA bushing on the right side are absolutely obliterated, which explains the creaking noises I'm hearing from that wheel. The embarrassing thing is, I didn't manage to notice it while inspecting the car or when it was right in front of my face during the brake jobs, or even when I inspected the suspension for the creaking noise. The guy at the alignment shop pointed it out, and I felt like such an idiot for not noticing it. I guess it was just because it was so far into the wheel well, and I was so focused on getting the brakes right, I just didn't look at it. But once I did, it is indeed BAD. Good news is I'm pretty sure I can handle replacing them.

KarTek · #64 04-01-2009, 06:08 AM

Looks great! That's a well thought out list of repairs too.

JimmyL · #65 04-01-2009, 10:50 AM

I didn't remember your little 240D as being so clean! That looks great!
Now you need to paint that grill insert on Bodhi. Makes a big difference, especially on a white car. Easier than the W123 too.
Me and Ralph replaced his UCA's, so if we two knuckle heads can do it then you certainly can.
Nice fleet......

BodhiBenz1987 · #66 04-01-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

I didn't remember your little 240D as being so clean! That looks great!
Now you need to paint that grill insert on Bodhi. Makes a big difference, especially on a white car. Easier than the W123 too.
Me and Ralph replaced his UCA's, so if we two knuckle heads can do it then you certainly can.
Nice fleet......

Yeah I was pretty excited to get a chance to wash the 240D thoroughly, and hit some of the especially cruddy spots with paint cleaner afterwards. The chrome really popped to life with a little suds and water. I even cleaned he engine a little bit with Gunk.

Yeah I was just thinking when I lined them up that Bodhi would look nice with the darker grille, too.

BodhiBenz1987 · #67 05-29-2009, 02:17 AM

Just a little update ... I drove Chase to work tonight for the first time and all went well. We even survived a foggy downpour on the way home at 1:30 a.m. My stick skills are really coming along despite a long break from driving the car while I worked on the driveshaft; I'm even getting the hang of downshifting. Here's the list of things I've done since my last update:
-Replaced right side UCA bushing + sway bar bushings
-Replaced drag link
-Replaced steering damper
-Replaced rear calipers w/ ATE remans
-Replaced rear discs, pads and rubber lines
-Repainted air cleaner housing
-Cleaned, sanded, painted battery tray (w/ POR15)
-Replaced vacuum check valve in door
-Removed, disassembled, cleaned, reassembled driver's door lock
-Replaced flex discs, driveshaft centering bushings and driveshaft center bearing and support
-Installed Hella H4s headlamps

Still planning a valve adjustment, assuming nothing else goes wrong first, and also a coolant flush. Should probably also fix the driver's seat before I get scoliosis.

PhantomCadillac · #68 05-29-2009, 10:10 AM

Sounds like you have been busy. You need to come to sunny Florida ( well not so much with all the rain )

. I'll let you work on mine!

Congrates on tackling all those old maintaince chores.