E300D control arm disaster - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cewyattjr · #1 09-16-2013, 06:34 PM

It started as a pull to the right this AM. Felt like the car was all over the road when I would brake. So I knew something wasn't right. I called my mechanic who said to have it towed in. Before I could get it in place for towing, the attached transpired. Fortunately it was just down the street from my house on a residential street, and NOT on the highway where I travel every day. Still makes me feel a little ill. Note the damage to the right fender. Boo.

It hurt to see that car pulled unto the flat bed, scraping tire and wheel well, but it somehow could have been worse, I think.

-Chuck

97 SL320 · #2 09-16-2013, 06:39 PM

I vote for a seized lower ball joint that flexed the arm where the casting welds in until it broke.

engatwork · #3 09-16-2013, 06:49 PM

Sorry to see your troubles. How many miles are on the car?

cewyattjr · #4 09-16-2013, 07:12 PM

Just about 199k on the clock. I'll let y'all know what they say about the issue. Really bummed. As of this weekend, my worst issue was that I needed a new o-ring on the shut off-valve!

cewyattjr · #5 09-28-2013, 11:41 AM

Just by way of update. The only issue/cause was the control arm. I realize now about a month ago, I got a flat on the same front passenger side after I hit a pot hole REALLY hard on the way home. So it could be that I caused some damage because of that incident and it just took a few more weeks to really crater.

unkl300d · #6 09-28-2013, 01:11 PM

I am curious about something. Does the car insurance cover the fender repair?
You could say you accidentally hit the pot hole and the result was the bust.

97 SL320 · #7 09-28-2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkl300d

I am curious about something. Does the car insurance cover the fender repair?
You could say you accidentally hit the pot hole and the result was the bust.

That would be called insurance fraud on two counts.

1. Making a false claim by saying the damage occurred immediately after hitting a pot hole.

2. Failing to minimize collateral damage after hitting a pot hole by not inspecting the car for damage after the hit.

silver · #8 09-28-2013, 01:50 PM

I changed out both control arms because of rust in the same area
silver

unkl300d · #9 09-28-2013, 02:16 PM

Damage would be due to the pothole regardless of whether it was inspected afterward or immediate damage. The OP said it was due to the pothole and it seems like it cracked and later split.. Road hazard.

Unless it was an ongoing rust issue.

eatont9999 · #10 09-28-2013, 11:46 PM

I'm glad that did not happen while you were on the highway at speed!!

vstech · #11 09-29-2013, 06:32 AM

I see no rust that could have caused this, but the photo is not clear. it appears to be impact related, but could have been the balljoint siezed as mentioned.

repairs are not steep, if you can source a used LCA, the fender damage is minimal, likely 1200 or so if a shop fixes it all... you could fix the suspension stuff yourself for a lot less, and just get the fender fixed.

keep us posted on what your shop does.

Skid Row Joe · #12 09-29-2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkl300d

Damage would be due to the pothole regardless of whether it was inspected afterward or immediate damage. The OP said it was due to the pothole and it seems like it cracked and later split.. Road hazard.

Unless it was an ongoing rust issue.

Agreed. Makes total sense to me. Besides, what kind of pothole also blows the tire? A BIG ass enough one to do the damage. Control arms don't shear by themselves. The metal was likely in the process of a complete shearing because of the accident. Insurance call time......

OP: Update(s)?

cewyattjr · #13 09-29-2013, 03:40 PM

I haven't called the insurance folk but I do have photos and if they don't require an inspection (it's fixed now), I suppose I could get some coverage from it. I've not filed a claim in many years (knock wood), so I'm wondering if they would do it after the fact. I've got a busted tire and a busted control arm to show for it.

I'm inclined to call thanks to the advice on the board, but I'd just tell them my story and see what they say.

BTW, the tow cost me a CHUNK. I do have AAA plus, but the local po-po wanted that car moved ASAP, so I wasn't arguing when they called the tow guys. Cost of the fender replacement and control arm was about $1150. I feel like I got off cheap, though my mom was thinking it would be less.

Chuck

83w126 · #14 09-29-2013, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cewyattjr

BTW, the tow cost me a CHUNK. I do have AAA plus, but the local po-po wanted that car moved ASAP, so I wasn't arguing when they called the tow guys.

It could have been worse, my friends mom had a mechanical failure in an audi a4 that led to it knocking down a chain link fence, and the police wanted it moved right away, so the tow truck driver ended up dragging it over a fence post and punching it though the transmission tunnel, dash, and out the windshield, when the car would have still been easily repaired if the tow truck driver had taken another 10 minutes to move it more carefully.

cewyattjr · #15 09-29-2013, 03:56 PM

Well, that's exactly right. It could have been worse and as eatonT9999 pointed out, it could have happened at highway speed. The shop put in used parts, and had to paint the fender. There wasn't any rust issue, so I'm figuring it was the pot hole from hell. The Boston area develops quite a few of these. The guy who did the tow was trying pretty hard not to damage the car, so maybe the $300 was worth it.