I have a 1980 300TD with a little of 170k. It has the original shocks in the front and recently I hear a loud clunking sound when I hit a pothole or bump on the front passenger side tire. I was assuming the shock went bad so I got replacements and realized that I can't just cut the bolts off because they seem to mount directly into the lower control arm. The bolt is so old and corroded that you can't even see that it was once a hex bolt. How would I get these 2 bolts out on each side. Also, if thats not the source of the clunk. I have no problem with just leaving the old ones in still.

The shock bolts should have been put in place with loctite so they will be particularly difficult to remove if the screw heads are buggered. You might be able to find some special sockets that grip part worn heads such as this

http://blog.bt-andf.com/blog/grip-tite-socket-blog

ONLY make sure they are good for 12 point heads - as it is most likely the screw heads you've got in there were 12 point and not 6.

As for the clunk - it could be a shock - but I'd look for broken springs, or worn ball joints.

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Ok I just found a worn out joint. Most of the rubber is gone, but some is there. I guess that could be causing it. I'll post a couple of pics in a few minutes.

Here are the pics

Yep it could be that - looks like a likely candidate... but check the other ball joint just behind the brake disk as well. And whilst you're under the car look at the condition of the rubbers on the inboard side of the lower control arm (LCA).

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

I took it to a local shop (one who doesn't rip me off) and they said that after looking at everything i need upper and lower control arms and bushings etc. I think that I might just buy one of the kits that has everything Upper and lower control arms, tie rods etc. Or should I just do the stuff it needs. The car is 30+ years old and all original.

I'm not aware of a kit...

But for the upper control arm you can buy them with the inner bushes fitted. Click on buy parts at the top of this screen and you'll see some pictures.

If you need some tips on fitting the lower control arm bushes just say!

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

eBay has this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Mercedes-W123-Control-Arm-Arms-Kit-230-280E-300CD-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3cb7dfdbbcQQitemZ260782939068QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

I recently did the upper in my TDT and it wasn’t a hard job at all.

Thanks for the kit link w123love - and welcome to the forum!

I see it is a kit made up by a seller and not a manufacturer - I see what is meant now.

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

That is the exact kit I just bought. A really great deal. I'm most likely going to self teach myself doing this project. The people at the shop admitted that they have no idea how to work on the car, but they'll figure it out. I figure I might as well figure it out for myself and save the $$$ on the labor. I'll be searching here for links on replacing everything.