newbie question..upper control arm - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

zsmith29 · #1 07-13-2009, 09:00 AM

ok,
so I am finally getting around to changing out the UCA and I just want to make sure that when I am in there I do not have any huge suprises.
1st. Will I need to compress the springs?
2nd. Are there any other suspension parts that I might should just go ahead and replace when I am in there?
3rd. Should I get another alignment after replacing the part?

Thanks for the help,
Zack Smith

tangofox007 · #2 07-13-2009, 09:01 AM

1. No. Suport the vehicle on the lower control arms.
2. Unable to determine without additional information.
3. Yes.

zsmith29 · #3 07-13-2009, 10:01 AM

Thanks Tango,
I will rephrase my 2nd question.

Are there any other inexpensive parts like bushings, seals, bolts,.......
that I will be very close to removing that have a tendency to go bad??

Zack Smith

zsmith29 · #4 07-13-2009, 10:03 AM

I am planning on buying the entire upper control arm from fastlane b/c they are priced about the same as the control arm bushing kit and it also includes the other bushing thing on the other end of the arm...

what do you all think about this rationale??

tangofox007 · #5 07-13-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsmith29

I am planning on buying the entire upper control arm from fastlane b/c they are priced about the same as the control arm bushing kit and it also includes the other bushing thing on the other end of the arm...

what do you all think about this rationale??

Replacing the entire assembly is definitely the thing to do. I would recommend replacing both upper control arms (along with the outer bushings at the sway bar) unless there is some obvious reason not to. Since most front-end work requires an alignment, now might be a good time to inspect tie rod ends, lower ball joints, etc.

zsmith29 · #6 07-13-2009, 10:16 AM

On fastlane they call this the control arm bushing, part # W0133-1642615
and it says "Upper control arm to torsion bar ; 4 per car;"

Is this the outer bushing that you are talking about??

tangofox007 · #7 07-13-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsmith29

On fastlane they call this the control arm bushing, part # W0133-1642615
and it says "Upper control arm to torsion bar ; 4 per car;"

Is this the outer bushing that you are talking about??

Yes.

zsmith29 · #8 07-13-2009, 10:26 AM

Thanks for the help Tango
I am going to go ahead and order the parts from Phil now

Diesel911 · #9 07-13-2009, 11:03 AM

Depending on what State your Car spent most of the time in the tip of the Sway Bar could OK or badly rusted.
There is severa threads on the subject.

RML · #10 07-13-2009, 11:13 AM

I would take note of the condition of the boot on the lower ball joint. If it is cracked open you will want to replace it. If it is badly deteriorated, you might want to replace it while you have everything apart. The part is only around $25 IIRC. You will need to remove the steering knuckle and have a shop press in the new one, unless you have a press.

toomany MBZ · #11 07-13-2009, 12:16 PM

1. No.
2. Just the outer bushing, see pics.
3. Yes.
I'll suggest changing out just the one that's bad, but certainly inspect the other side as you would need another alignment if you replaced it separately.
The entire arm comes with a new ball joint.
First pic is of an outer bushing, new.
Two and three show where it's on the torsion bar.
If you need to do the lower (supporting) ball joint, the manual mentions to remove it, the spring too, but I have had it replaced on the car at a shop.

NoCalMer · #12 07-13-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

I'll suggest changing out just the one that's bad, but certainly inspect the other side as you would need another alignment if you replaced it separately.
The entire arm comes with a new ball joint.
First pic is of an outer bushing, new.
Two and three show where it's on the torsion bar.
If you need to do the lower (supporting) ball joint, the manual mentions to remove it, the spring too, but I have had it replaced on the car at a shop.

That the bushing to replace to get the chamber angle back within spec.?

toomany MBZ · #13 07-13-2009, 05:18 PM

^^I'm not familiar with the term "chamber angle", so can't answer, yet those bushings help with the torsion bar, they don't effect the alignment, AFAIK.
As you can see they're old, replace 'em.

NoCalMer · #14 07-13-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

^^I'm not familiar with the term "chamber angle", so can't answer, yet those bushings help with the torsion bar, they don't effect the alignment, AFAIK.
As you can see they're old, replace 'em.

Sorry. I meant camber angle.

toomany MBZ · #15 07-13-2009, 08:59 PM

^^Ah, that's part of the alignment, but no, if you replace just those outer bushings, no alignment needed.
How is the INNER bushing?