Help me decide on my tie rod path forward - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 07-05-2013, 09:06 PM

Both my 300cd and 240d had their original (16mm thread) tie rods. I put a full replacement into my 300cd, but kept the old ones in case I wanted to rebuild and reuse.

The 240d has one bad tie rod end, the right front. It is a 16mm end on an original rod.

It seems like the 16mm thread tie rods were phased out for some reason, but some 16mm ends are still available. Lemfoerder seems to only make 14mm thread ends.

So, is there any reason to stay with 16mm tie rods? I would assume they are stronger.

I think I can get Moog parts that are correct. Only one end is bad. Money is of no concern, but an end is $13 vs $42 for a lemfoerder complete 14mm thread tie rod (with both ends).

Is there a reason to move away from 16mm thread tie rods? Am I better off keeping them? I would guess that they are stronger, fwiw.

Long term parts availability would say go to 14mm thread stuff, but I only need one, the car gets only maybe 1000-2000mi/yr.

Overthinking, I'm sure. But just weighing options and I appreciate the insight.

Thanks!

Diesel911 · #2 07-05-2013, 11:59 PM

You might see if you can find the Part number for the 16mm Rod ends at the below Site.
You can look at the older Chassis and compare the new Chassis part number for the Rod ends.
Once you have the part Number you can use that to research who might sell the one you want.
Russian part site. 1
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JHZR2 · #3 07-06-2013, 12:48 AM

Well there is a chassis end point from one part number to the other. It doesnt state anything about thread diameter.

Now another query - go on there and look at the drawing and part numbers, it appears to imply that both outside tie rod ends would be RH thread. Wouldnt one outer on one side of the car be RH, and the other outer on the other side of the car be LH, so that they could both be turned the same way to align?

Plenty of places specify whether their parts are LH or RH versions, so Im not terribly concerned with that, I need to determine which thread I need for the RF outer position... My initial question was more oriented towards if I should stick with 16mm parts or go 14mm, in light of part availability, the 14mm being common and available, etc. Is there any "pro" to staying with 16mm, e.g. strength or something?

Thanks!