Anyone know if the steering knuckles are interchangeable on w123s?

Specifically, I want to pull the knuckles off my '78 Coupe (currently inop anyway) and take them to a shop to have new balljoints pressed in... then just install the 'new' assemblies onto my '85.

I only have one car operable so this would save me some hassle in terms of transport downtime (and getting the knuckles to the shop).

ANSWER: YES -- according to the Russian EPC. Thought of that five seconds after I posted the question....

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

In the Manual I think I saw some difference in where the Back Plate attaches. If you swap them use the whole thing, Bearings, Hub and so on.

However, swapping parts may change the Front End Alignment.

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I'm fairly sure, the 123 and 126 knuckles are identical across the line... but I'm more sure that all 123 knuckles are the same. I've put 78 123 front end parts into an 83 and an 85. I swapped the entire ball joint assembly though. rotor to tie rod...

__________________
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 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

You are correct:

1978 used these part numbers.

MB# 1163304120
STEERING KNUCKLE RIGHT

MB# 1163301520
STEERING KNUCKLE RIGHT

MB# 1163304020
STEERING KNUCKLE LEFT

MB# 1163301420
STEERING KNUCKLE LEFT


The 1985 300D W123.133 used these part numbers.

MB# 1163304120
STEERING KNUCKLE RIGHT

MB# 1163304020
STEERING KNUCKLE LEFT

MB# 1163301420
STEERING KNUCKLE −

MB# 1163301520
STEERING KNUCKLE −


1985 300SD W126.120

MB# 1163304120
STEERING KNUCKLE RIGHT

MB# 1163301520
STEERING KNUCKLE −

MB# 1163304020
STEERING KNUCKLE LEFT

MB# 1163301420
STEERING KNUCKLE −

.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
https://whunter.carrd.co/

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Second gen W126 will also fit. I installed a pair of Steering Knuckles off a 90 or 91 SEL on our 85 300D. there is the ABS? sensor that fits in a hole . I cut off the wire and the pin that sticks out on the front side to fill the hole. It could be left off.


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

While you are in there, use the W126 LCA bearing.

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Great advice... this started as a front brake job... at this rate I'll be doing the rear subframe mounts before I'm done....

Seriously though, I thought you had to compress the spring to do the LCA bushing (you meant bushing, I assume)??

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Hi Guys,

I broke off the threaded end off my RF splindle. I bought a used 90SDL for my 84 300D Ebay says it's compatable after calling the dealer today he told me only a 116 330 4120 will fit because of the ABS.

I have the 90 spindle on the 84 & after putting the caliper on, the wheel does not spin. It does have new rotor. What am I missing here?

Thanks,
Dave

Just for reference to anyone who hits on this in the future:

- I started off asking about interchange of w123 steering knuckles (aka spindles) between years.

- the conversation expanded to w126 knuckles being interchangeable as well, including later style ones on ABS-equipped cars. (People have installed late w126 units onto w123s.)

HOWEVER, based on my experience, the w126 spindles off ABS-equipped cars may theoretically be the same, aside from the extra hole for the sensor, but in practice possibly not. I am not saying, don't do it, I am just saying be forewarned the front end may be seriously out of alignment afterwards.

I installed a set of knuckles off a 1985 300sd, ABS, on my 1985 300d on the weekend and the result was a car so badly out of alignment it was really not driveable. Both front wheels were toed out to the point that the tires were howling and the camber was way off, particularly on the left wheel, as well.

The car went to the alignment shop and now drives okay, but they had to use all the adjustment available to set the toe to spec, and the camber is still slightly off spec on one side. The shop checked every component of the front end, twice, and everything is sound and tight (it's my buddy's shop, they have aligned my cars before).

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Thanks for the clarification Zac!

You are welcome, Dave. By the way, in addition to the alignment headache, I had the same issue as you: when I installed the new rotors, the right side would not turn once the caliper was installed. It is dragging noticeably. Gets very hot, so I have had to postpone a short trip I had planned for Saturday.

I picked up a rebuilt caliper today. A rough $$$$ month for my 'fleet'. SIGH

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Thank You again Zacharias, I will heed your words of wisdom!

D

I would stay away from installing 126 knuckles on a 123, but I do know that the knuckles from an '80 123 fit on an '82 123, and '85 123 knuckles fit on an '80. I did the exact same thing, I rebuilt the parts from an '85 parts car, and put them on an '80 TD. I then rebuilt the '80 parts, and put them on my '82. I have the '82 parts ready to rebuild and put on '?.

__________________

All Diesel Fleet
1985 R107 300SLD TURBODIESEL
2005 E320 CDI (daily)

LOTS of parts for sale!


EGR block kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355250-sale-egr-delete-block-off-plate-kit.html

1985 CA emissions 617 owners- You Need This!
Sanden style A/C Compressor Mounting Kit for your 616/ 617 For Sale + Install Inst.

Sanden Instalation Guide (post 11):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/367883-sanden-retrofit-installation-guide.html

Today I Googled one of the part#`s to see what came up. and from MB parts world.com, that is MB of South Atlanta, a dealer. they have a whole list of vehicles the Steering Knuckle fits.

240D sedan 1975 - 1983
280E sedan 1975 - 1981
280CE coupe 1975 - 1981
300CD coupe 1975 - 1981
300CD turbodiesel Coupe 1982 - 1985
300D sedan 1975 - 1981
300D turbodiesel sedan 1982 - 1985
300SD sedan 1979 - 1985
300SE sedan 1988 - 1991
300SEL sedan 1979 - 1991
300TD turbodiesel wagon 1975 - 1985
300TD wagon 1975 - 1981
380SE sedan 1979 - 1985
380SEC coupe 1982 - 1984
380SEL sedan 1979 - 1983
500SEC coupe 1979 - 1985
500SEL sedan 1979 - 1985
300SDL sedan 1986 - 1987
350SDL sedan 1990 - 1991
420SEL sedan 1979 - 1991
560SEC coupe 1986 - 1991
560SEL sedan 1986 - 1991

These are some of the part# they showed in their list.
116-330-14-20 NLA
116-330-40-20
116-330-41-20
116-330-15-20 NLA

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

Thanks charmalu,

According to your search, my 90 SDL part will work on an 84 300D.

What gave me fits was I ordered new bearings before I started to go through the front end for an 84. The bearings wouldn't allow it to fit on the 90 spindle. So I used the 90 bearings & fit fine. It was going good until I tried to put the caliper on. So I haven't been able to get back to my project, mostly because my wife has me on other things.

Since I have been told it will work, I just need to pull the caliper back off & make sure BOTH pistons are fully retracted & try again.

Thanks again to all,
Dave