1987 190d 2.5 turbo front end shake around 60mph. Any ideas? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Maxbumpo · #1 04-14-2014, 11:43 AM

Maybe try driving the car at speed on a multi-lane highway, with a pair of friends driving "wingman". The passenger in the other car should observe all four of your wheels to see if any movement can be detected, then at least you have narrowed the problem down to one or two wheels, or not a wheel problem at all but something in the drive-train, like a out-of-balance drive shaft or a really bad rear axle.

Ndralle · #2 04-14-2014, 05:36 PM

Not the previous owner but the owner before him actually kept good records. The car came with a file dating back 6years. In the paper work there is a receipt that says "urgent ball joint replacement needed before alignment." Followed by a receipt a few weeks later that reads "ball joint replacement. Complete failure!!!." Also, when I got the car the right fender well was somewhat mangled as if the hub fleww out and the strut rod hit the fender. Pretty terrifying.

I'm welding up the perch today. If that doesn't help I am going to do motor mounts, and check the hubs. I will probably replace front discs.

Ndralle · #3 04-15-2014, 03:36 AM

Before...

And after...

The driver side perch was being held on by 2 tack welds and some seam sealer. I could literally flex the perch with my bare hands. After cleaning everything up we welded up the inside of the perch and patched the outside with new metal. Inside the repair I applied weld through primer and outside 3 coats of catalyzing epoxy primer. When I have time I will redo the seam sealer and chip gaurd.

The car does feel more stable, especially over bumps. While the didn't shake on the 15mile freeway drive home, I am not convinced that my high speed shake is gone. I will still be replacing motor mounts since mine are original. I am hoping that, along with a new set of tires and a 4 wheel alignment will put this in the past.

She has fooled me before.