Tie Rods and Thrust bearings??

[bigfredb]

I took my trusty '83 300SD to a suspension/alignment shop that a mechanic friend recommended (I had to replace my tires because the inside of the tire had been chewed to the steel belts and blew out.).

They said that my tie-rods (all 3 of them, ends and sleeves) and the thrust bearings (I think that is the term) are shot and need to be replaced.

Parts cost: $500
Labor Cost: $300

I have never done this kind of stuff before on any car so I don't have any idea how hard it is.

Is this something that I could do myself then just have the alignment done? Any recommendations?

[layback40]

suggest you find a shop that does Mercedes work.

[rhodes2010]

Personally, I would do it myself to ensure quality work.
In fact, I just did this job on the 300D and had to replace a
tie rod on the 300SD.

I do my own alignments with a tape measure and a couple wrenches.
My tires wear evenly and perfectly.

But it does depend on your comfort disassembling your car.
Also your availability of a spare vehicle during the work.
Down time can sometimes change, a job that should only take
a few hours (like this one) could take a few days if you end up
needing something you do not have.

So, how comfortable are you working on your car ?
What kind of tools do you have ?
The tools to get the tie rod ends off can be rented easily, you
only need some wrenches.

And, in the end, if you want to have the alignment done you can spend that
saved money on a top notch 4 wheel alignment.

As for the price quoted.... probably reasonable. Quality parts at close to
retail and some quality labor. A lot of my friends prefer to pay for all
service work and there is nothing wrong with that.

[bigfredb]

Thanks Rhodes,

I feel fairly comfortable doing the work myself. Can you recommend a tutorial (DIY) that will show how to do it step by step?

As far as tools to take off the tie rods, what tools are those? I have most wrenches, etc.

As far as shops that do Mercedes work, they only use solid gold tools and pave their garages in diamonds, rubys and other precious jewels.

[SD Blue]

The easiest way to estimate these jobs is to look up the parts on Fastlane.

Center Tie Rod ~$80
Left Tie Rod ~$60
Right Tie Rod ~$60
Idler Arm Repair Kit ~$30

I believe he was referring to the Guide Rod Mounts (aka thrust bushings),as they are a common wear point on the W126 front end.
Guide Rod Mounts (2)~$180

As you can see, the parts price isn't that far off. Depending on his shop rate, 3-4 hrs labor is pretty darn good. Is he including an alignment?

If you do it yourself, you are basically looking at saving only the labor cost. So the only factor is spending the money vs. learning how to do the task yourself. About the only "special" tool you may want is the tie rod tool.http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=MK-1954GT&CTMP=1

[micalk]

Guide Rod Mounts

DIY Bearing Bracket guide rod mount replacement for Mercedes Benz 300SD.

Tie rods are pretty simple. Hard part is beating them apart, but once dismantled are very easy to install.