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  #1  
Old 06-13-2010, 01:05 PM
biostudent's Avatar
Veggie Burner (soon)
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Brockport, NY
Posts: 31
Front Suspension - Loose steering

Hi all,

I just bought my first diesel and first Mercedes. A 1983 300D sedan in blue. Its a great car needs some work but is close to rust free. I have been doing a lot of reading on here and a couple other forums.

Anyway, the steering is a bit loose so I bought a kit on ebay for doing the front and I wanted to see if anyone recommends adding any parts to my list while I have everything off. Also, I was wondering if someone could help me with the order these parts should be changed. This is my first time doing suspension work like this and I don't want to end up having to pull things apart all over again.

Heres what I have

UPPER CONTROL ARM LEFT 1233304607
UPPER CONTROL ARM RIGHT 1233304707
LEFT TIE ROD 1233301803
RIGHT TIE ROD 1233301803
LEFT BALL JOINT 1163330927
RIGHT BALL JOINT 1163330927
CENTER DRAG LINK 1234601505
(2) TWO STABILIZER LINKS LEFT AND RIGHT 1233200989
(2) TWO LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING KITS 1233301375
REAR TRACK CONTROL ARM MOUNTS (4) FOUR 1263520165
IDLER ARM REPAIR KIT 1264600819
(4) FOUR FRONT TRACK CONTROL ARM MOUNTS 1163334014

Thanks!

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  #2  
Old 06-13-2010, 01:47 PM
Stretch's Avatar
...like a shield of steel
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
Posts: 14,461
Welcome to the forum.

Have a look at the following link before you do the job

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123FrontSuspension

(You can navigate to other articles by clicking on Resources => DIY articles at the top right hand corner of your screen)

When you get to do the LCA bushings have a quick look at this

How I ended up fitting the bushings to my W123 300D LCA

You are going to need a spring compressor (work safe!). If you can rent one. Check before you start to see if the #%^$%$*(&$ing thing will fit down the holes in the top of the spring mounts. If it isn't the 700 euro tool you'll need to file away some metal on your car to get it to fit - not much honest...
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  #3  
Old 06-13-2010, 04:52 PM
Diesel911's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Long Beach,CA
Posts: 50,968
I also bought the above kit because I did not know what I was going to run into when I stated work on my front suspension.
But, I knew for sure my Lower Control Arm Bushings and one of the Uppler Control Arm Ball Joints were no good.

In your case I would be nice to have a more exact idea of what is actually worn or if something just needs an adjustment.

For too much Steering Wheel play I would have someone rock the wheel back and forth for the distance of the Steering Wheel play and observe the action of the Arm coming off of the Steering Box (the Pitman Arm).

If the Arm does not move while that other person is rocking the Steering Wheel you have a problem with the Steering Box Adjustment (there is a nut and screw on top of the Steering Box to tighten it up) or some other issue inside of the Steering Box.

If the Pitman Arm moves at the same time the Steering Wheel moves but there is play in the steering Wheel it is most likly a problem in the Steering Linkages (Tie Rods, Drag Link and so on).

It also would not hurt to check the Wheel Bearing Clearance (end play).

There are other tests for the Ball Joints.

DIY Repair Links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf
__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel
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  #4  
Old 06-15-2010, 04:58 AM
biostudent's Avatar
Veggie Burner (soon)
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Brockport, NY
Posts: 31
Diesel911,
Thanks for the advice. I will try to pinpoint it exactly so I don't go crazy. My mentality was that I might as well update everything. I am coming from an 07 Honda accord to this car so I just want to tighter her up as much as possible. I should probably check out the rear as well. She seems to fish out a little on light turning.
I'll check out those links.

Army,

Thats exactly what I was looking for Pictorials are always how I learn.

Thanks a bunch guys. I'll do some more research based on your suggestions.
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  #5  
Old 06-15-2010, 05:03 AM
Stretch's Avatar
...like a shield of steel
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
Posts: 14,461
You are welcome. Good luck. It is a lot of work - but I've been told it is worth it (I still haven't finished my front and rear rebuild). However I doubt if you'll ever reach the feel of a modern car. You are driving something that was very well designed but something that was designed in 1970 something or other.
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  #6  
Old 06-16-2010, 03:10 PM
biostudent's Avatar
Veggie Burner (soon)
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Brockport, NY
Posts: 31
Oh yea, I don't expect modern... Just want to tighten it up as much as possible. I will update on results.

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