Hello, I have the 55 mph steering wheel shimmy on '97 E300. Want to replace the LCA bushings. I did a forum search and read that this can be done without removing the LCA's from the vehicle. There is apparently a special tool needed for this?

Does anyone have details on what special tool this is, where to buy it?

I'm looking at these heavy duty bushings: http://www.allpartsexpress.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1997-MERCEDES--BENZ-E300d--/--L6--996cc--3.0l--Diesel--Fi-Front--End--/--Suspension--Steering&yearid=1997%40%401997&makeid=MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&engineid=1195556%40%40E300D++%2F+L6-2996cc+3.0L+DIESEL+FI%40%40E300D&catid=Front+End+%2F+Suspension+%26+Steering%40%40Front+End+%2F+Suspension+%26+Steering&subcatid=Front+Control+Arm+Mount+Kit@@Front+Control+Arm+Mount+Kit&mode=PA

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'98 E300 turbodiesel

Dont know about the tool you refer; I believe NHDOC (Marty) does though.

I had my LCA bushings replaced by an Indy Mech as I didnt want to mess with (nor did I have the tools) pulling the springs or using a shop press to R&R the bushings.

The dealers replace the entire LCA with a new one which has new bushings factory installed. If I were to do mine again I'd go that route. Much cleaner and although parts are more, labor is less so only ends up costing ~$100 more.

At your cars age surely it already has the eccentric bolt kit installed??? Can't align without them typically......

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Terry, can you tell me how much you paid for the bushing replacement @ your indy? You can PM to me if you don't want to post it for all to see.

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with this "eccentric bolt kit". I've had the car aligned before at the local MB dealer and they didn't mention anything to me.

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'98 E300 turbodiesel

The dealer would have installed eccentric bolts if they were needed to put the car in alignment. If it was already correct, they would not have.

I paid ~$600 for the LCA's. Close to half that was the cost of the bushings. Mine already had the bolt kit. Included R&R both LCA's, installing 4 new bushings and the alignment. The mech had trouble with the bushings. I had mentioned to him I thought some special fittings were needed for the shop press. He said no problem. Turned out it was a prob.

I doubt he'll be doing another W210 unless the owenr agree's to new factory LCA's......

Matt - I had a CPO'd 02 E320 company car with 18k on it previously. At 25k it got new tires and couldn't be aligned w/o the bolts. I believe that (a $600 1st dealer alignment) to be pretty common.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)