Hey all,

I have an 83 300D turbo, and recently had my rear axles replaced (had torn boots on both when I bought it) and the wheel bearings on the driverside replaced about a week ago. She (Isabella) used to vibrate and shake while driving, due to the bearings and axles, but now is smooth and quiet. The mechanic also mentioned that i had a loose tie rod and slop in my steering when he gave her a safety inspection. The steering issue was old news... i searched the forum and reduced the four to six inches of slop (!) in the steering when i bought her to the one to two inches that she has now. Any more adjustment to the steering makes her not right herself after a turn.

The problem i have now, is that she doesn't drive straight at highway speeds after the recent work...well...maybe it was that way before and i was too distracted by the vibration and shaking. but it does seem new.
I am constantly adjusting on the highway. The winds has been high here on the central california coast, and this makes it a really nerve wrecking situation.

My question is can that loose tie rod be adjusted...tightened up? I have been searching the forum for answers to the tie rod problem but have been not finding anything addressing the issues i have. I am currently reading up on the alignment links whunter has posted...but it is a complex and confusing issue.
Could the work i had done messed up my alignment? My MPG went up by at least 5MPG after i got the car back, and she doesn't get as hot while driving (maybe a thermostat failing?) by at least 5 to 10 degrees C ...as far as i can tell on that not-so-easy-to-read temp meter.

I have a three day weekend coming up and am planning on doing some work...mainly replacing the glow plugs (gp light is not coming on and starting rough...got some gp failures) and to do my second valve adjustment and change some filters (whiteish smoke lately, no contamination of coolant or oil...oil on air filter...gonna seal the oil/air separator this weekend).

links or search suggestions welcome. i love this car.

There isn`t any adjustment for the Tie Rods, just replace them.
You can have some slop in the Idler Arm bushings too. each little bit of loosness in the various parts will have an effect on your alignment and wondering on the road. adjusting the steering box only takes up the wear in the box. It doesn`t fix the worn steering components.

Where on the central coast are you?
there is an independent alignment guy here in Santa Cruz that works out of his house. He is recommended by the shops for MB`s.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I recently had a pulling to the left problem.
After jacking the Front of the Car up I found my Caliper Dragging due to worn Brake Pads.
I also found that even though 3+ years ago I had adjusted the Front Wheel end play with a Dial Indicator I now had too much end play.
When the above was fixed it reduced the left pull.

However, I had also discovered the tread on the left Front Tire was starting to separate.
New Front Tires turned out to be the Fix.

The Tie Rod is not hard to replace but you may or may not be able to match up the measurement/spacing if the Tie Rod Ball Joint is worn.

If the Rubber Bushings the Suspension rides on is the original doing an alignment one it might only help as a temp measure as the alignment will last only as long as the Rubber remains in good shape.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I'm looking to begin chasing this on my 83 wagon, nearly 30 years tends to age some parts! I figure I'll need ball joints, Idler arm kit, and all tie rods etc...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

correct me if I am wrong, but if you dont adjust the tie rod length to accomodate the worn ball joint (s), couldn't your simply match the length of the old tie rod and the new tie row? (assumes that the old tie rod length was an element in an aligned steering system!)

After reading the replies, I checked the tires and found that my front driverside tire was worn on both edges. No other tires had this wear pattern. The tire is essentially rounded off, and based on Diesel911's reply, the wear on both sides of the tire hints at the reason why the car drifts right and left...along with the high winds. I plan on getting new front tires and a balance and alignment after i replace the offending tie rod.

I just moved to the San Luis Obispo area, and found a good indy shop in grover beach that i feel i can trust. Any other suggestions of shops in the area, or parts stores, or pick and pull yards will be welcome.

Thanks for the replies...keep those ideas coming.

Tie rods are straightforward swap. Look for a few of the "rebuilding my front end" threads. With the exception of the brake support and the LCA bushings, most everything else on the front end can be easily swapped with common or loaner tools. Things like the tie rod, the drag link and maybe the steering damper (to minimize some wander/looseness) are really easy.

Don't overlook the condition of the rubber bushings on the rear of the car as contributors to stability.

Prior to the alignment research the specs and have them on hand. Ask for before and after numbers on the printout.