Help diagnosing front-end issue

[AshleyMck]

Vehicle: 1983 240D (w123)

Basically my front end tires are bowing out as such: /----\

Causing my tires to wear down to the belt on just the first inner 1 1/2 inch of the tread. within just a month on a new tire.


Im suspecting weak old springs causing it to stoop down, because once I slightly jack the car up releasing tension the wheel on that side straightens up.

I came to this conclusion because I own two other w123 models, that sit much higher that the one in question. and the tires are straight as an arrow.

Is this a reasonable diagnosis or am i looking at replacing the (expletive) balljoints?

[toomany MBZ]

You may want to have it diagnosed at a front end shop. But inspect the upper control arm bushing, the part, especially, at the inner most bolt. There may not be any rubber left to hold the wheels as they should be.

[smiffy6four]

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

You may want to have it diagnosed at a front end shop. But inspect the upper control arm bushing, the part, especially, at the inner most bolt. There may not be any rubber left to hold the wheels as they should be.

I agree.

If your BJ's were that bad they would have had to let go completely to give a crazy camber angle. A badly worn BJ would clunk on every bump and could only affect the wheel position a very minor amount.

[AshleyMck]

Thanks guys,
I went to two local shops yesterday, and they just shuttered when i told them it was an 83 Benz. And said "No Thanks".

LOL

There is a shop within 45 minutes of me that people are recommending on this forum, I may give them a try.

[toomany MBZ]

^ Yeah, many places won't touch it.
Good luck.