I need to replace the center drag link, steering damper and rebuild the idler arm on my 190d to tighten up the steering. The haynes manual makes it look like I can just bolt off the old parts and bolt on the new ones. It can't be that easy, can it? What nuances am I yet to be informed of when it comes to completing this task? Is this 3 hours on a Saturday afternoon, or work through the night on Sunday with busted knuckles to get me to work on Monday morning? Do it myself or just pay the shop for a couple hours of labor?

Do it yourself, for sure. I'm no genius, and I did it (and replaced the tie rods at the same time) in a few hours on a Saturday....and I was taking my time. It's pretty straightforward.

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1984 300D: 275,000 miles (soon to be for sale)

In search of my 1987 300D in anything but white.

Before you spend on a new Steering Damper try driving without it.
I removed mine more (it is still good) than 1-1/2 years ago it has had no negative effect on any type of driving.
Not having it has made the Steering Wheel easier to turn when you are backing up and moving in tight areas.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel