My front end was loose/sloppy and the right front seems to go in/out of alignment where the suspension geometry doesn't rebound up/down properly. Also, there is a lot of side to size rocking motion over uneven bumps and when turning. When the "alignment" is right, everything is smooth and dignified but getting it into this sweet spot is random and lasts for a few minutes or hours then goes back out of whack.

In order to try to fix this over the period of a couple of repair visits, First visit months ago, the mechanic replaced these and the problem wasn't fixed:

front lower ball joints
l/r track rod joints

This Friday he did:
- new steering shock
-new outer tie rods and bushings
-new front shocks
-alignment

Got the car back Friday and seemed to be much better - but something was still loose.

Today on the drive to work, I braked at a stoplight due to bumpy pavement and the front end pulled to the right coming to complete stop. Now it feels like the car is out of alignment again and the motions in the right side are bumpy again and side to side rocking over uneven pavement and turning.

What's next? I don't think the upper control arms or idler arm bushing have been done. I'm losing patience. Maybe something is bent? All I know is something is still loose up front. Do I need to replace more items?

The reason this is frustrating is that when it rides nice it feels just right, but when it's out, the motions and lack of compliance in the right front cause side to size motions and the front shock on rebound seems to go slightly sideways rather than up/down.

Any other w126 owners have similar issues? Should I just continue until all the front suspension parts are replaced?

This is really frustrating and I don't feel like the mechanic is really interested fixing this for me.

Worn center link, idler arm, guide rod mounts, control arm ball joint and control arm bushings will all slop up your suspension.

Also it's important to use ONLY Lemforder and Genuine Mercedes parts.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

I bought a spring compressor, installed upper & lower ball joints, guide rod mounts and control arm bushings. Tie rods can be done without removing the other things and are in good shape. Shocks were done earlier.

Both the 84 & 85SD steer like new - even without steering box attention. Both have lifetime Firestone alignments. Many of the techs are incompetent but can get it right or at least close by the 2nd or 3rd time. They have become more attentive because I make them do it again or take it to another store if it isn't right. I'd rather pay a good indy to do it once but they've all retired and the dealer is an hour each way and more expensive than it's worth.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

My problem is the control arm bushings are a fortune, it's really the onlh reason I haven't rebuit by suspension.

__________________
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

Mark ;

Time to go in and replace _all_ the bushings etc. ~ you're chasing your tail here .

I know an _honest_ indie M-B shop in the S.G.V. if that helps, you'll prolly still need to have it aligned elsewhere but they'll do the work right, few care to do so .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better