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Old 09-22-2009, 08:02 PM
BodhiBenz1987's Avatar
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So I finally managed to replace my 124's idler arm bushings ...

... and that wasn't what was wrong. Ones that came out were perfect. On the bright side, this is the first time in a while I've taken on a job and actually finished it without realizing I was missing some crucial part or tool. Kind of a PITA job, those rubber sleeves did not want to come out for anything. At least now I know how to approach it on the 240D (that's the only steering thing I have left to do on that one). I'm now leaning toward steering damper as the source of the squeak on the 300D, after lying under the jacked-up car while my mom turned the wheel. Sounded like either that or the drag link. Does a steering damper squeak when bad? I don't notice any vibration or other steering issues, just the noise. My inclination is to replace the damper since it's not that expensive, and is an easy job. And the drag link boots look fine.

Oh yeah, maybe this is a stupid question, but do I need an alignment after replacing the idler arm bushings? I did have to move the linkage out of the way to remove the top bushing.

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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)
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  #2  
Old 09-22-2009, 08:30 PM
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Depends on alot. IF theres any adjustment in the idler arm mounting location, there's a possibility it's changed (needing an alignment)
If it wasnt perfect prior to servicing, it needs an alignment. It would effect the tow only. Drive it, and if the wheel is straight, it's more then likely fine.

With the wheels on the ground, have an assistant steer back and forth, and check all joints for play. When you raise the car , the suspension isnt in the same spots as before, so it may feel tight when there is play when the car's at it's normal position...




~Nate
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Old 09-22-2009, 08:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987 View Post
... and that wasn't what was wrong. Ones that came out were perfect. On the bright side, this is the first time in a while I've taken on a job and actually finished it without realizing I was missing some crucial part or tool. Kind of a PITA job, those rubber sleeves did not want to come out for anything. At least now I know how to approach it on the 240D (that's the only steering thing I have left to do on that one). I'm now leaning toward steering damper as the source of the squeak on the 300D, after lying under the jacked-up car while my mom turned the wheel. Sounded like either that or the drag link. Does a steering damper squeak when bad? I don't notice any vibration or other steering issues, just the noise. My inclination is to replace the damper since it's not that expensive, and is an easy job. And the drag link boots look fine.

Oh yeah, maybe this is a stupid question, but do I need an alignment after replacing the idler arm bushings? I did have to move the linkage out of the way to remove the top bushing.
I have been driving 2 years (300D) without a Steering Damper. without it; it is easier to turn the Steering Wheel at low speeds and I have had zero negative effects from not having it on the Car; even at Freeway speeds.
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Old 09-22-2009, 08:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987 View Post
Oh yeah, maybe this is a stupid question, but do I need an alignment after replacing the idler arm bushings? I did have to move the linkage out of the way to remove the top bushing.
No, it does not affect the alignment.
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Old 09-23-2009, 01:04 AM
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I'm having a "duh" moment!! What are idler arm bushings??
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Old 09-23-2009, 01:50 AM
BodhiBenz1987's Avatar
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyL View Post
I'm having a "duh" moment!! What are idler arm bushings??
I might be using the wrong terminology ... in the EPC it says "intermediate arm bearing." It's the bushings that go in that tube on the passenger side. Now that I look at the pic, I realize I put the washer on the wrong side of the arm on top. Duh. Why must I always do something randomly stupid so I have to go back and re-do something?
Here's a hi-tech pic of the bushings:
Attached Thumbnails
So I finally managed to replace my 124's idler arm bushings ...-untitled-1-copy.jpg  
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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)
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  #7  
Old 09-24-2009, 01:27 PM
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Disconnect one end of the damper and check for smooth and continuous resistance as you compress and extend it. Maybe you'll even hear the noise.

I wouldn't drive without the damper because MB put it there for a reason, but I would drive without it long enough to determine if it's the cause of the squeak.

Sixto
87 300D
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  #8  
Old 09-29-2009, 02:45 PM
BodhiBenz1987's Avatar
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Well, I replaced the damper, and so far, the squeak is gone! I bought a damper before it occurred to me to loosen one side and check for the noise, so I just went ahead and replaced it, as the old one looked a little beat up anyway. When I pulled the old one out I could not recreate the noise, so I figured I was probably replacing something else unnecessary ... but, once the new one was in, took it for a drive, and can't hear a trace of the squeak.
The old damper did feel very "loose," i.e., you can push it in and out very easily.
Also went ahead and moved the top washer on the idler arm to the correct place ... annoying but at least now I know it's done right.

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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)
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