W201 2.6 Lowering Project - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SHYNE · #1 08-26-2007, 07:07 PM

Hello guys,

I'm installing my lowering springs with Bilstein Sport shocks and struts. The old links in the back were so rusted that I've had to resort to cutting them off (where they attach to the subframe). The hub carrier bolts have been in great shape.

The problem I've had has been those rear 'track rods'. They have ball joints which attach to the hub carrier and seem incredibly difficult to cut off. I've resorted to using a cut-off wheel to take the first side off. I had to drill out the remains of the balljoint in the bolt hole in the hub carrier, nearly ruining it.

Can someone offer advice on an easier alternative? I've tried wailing on the ball joint with a pickle fork tool and it didn't get me anywhere. Tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

SHYNE · #2 08-29-2007, 08:50 PM

I went ahead and drilled out the balljoint on the other track rod. I used three different sized bits and finished up with a 25/64" so the new joint would fit in snug.

#3 09-13-2007, 05:47 AM

Cutting the springs is the worst way to lower a car. It is dangerous to you and others on the road.

splinter · #4 09-16-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Cutting the springs is the worst way to lower a car. It is dangerous to you and others on the road.

I am shocked and discouraged that a fine liberal such as you would prove to be so exclusionary and judgmental. Do doubt you’re fully aware that you have flagrantly disregarded and are in serious violation of myriad EPA, DOT, NHTSA, and FMVSS statutes by your actions, and thereby lack even the slightest regard or compassion for humanity by having tampered with your emission-reducing hardware and OEM equipment. May the spirits have mercy on your tortured soul.

Where exactly in his post did he mention he intended to cut his springs? To the OP, my pneumatic hammer fork works well to free frozen joints. Trust you’ve already gotten it back together. Looking forward to seeing your results…

greasybenz · #5 09-16-2007, 10:09 PM

Are you going to use adjustable cambers arms or a kmac kit for the rear?

SHYNE · #6 10-30-2007, 02:01 AM

Okay so I've finished the car. I ended up breaking the left rear brake line getting all the links into the back. I NEVER even bothered with spring compressors in the front or the back. That's what I said. All these stories I hear about springs flying out are either a) complete lies or b) a consequence of ham-fisted idiocy.

Take your time, think about what you're doing and if you don't know DON'T do it.

I took off the caliper, the tie rod assembly (complete), front anti-roll bar bushings (sway bar whatever you'd like to call it) and then the strut and spring (with a 3 tonne jack under the lower control arm). If the springs have never been touched, they are not going to fly out and kill you. I cracked those 22mm lower control arm slug bolts (with the 3 tonne jack still under the arm) and then slowly lowered the control arm down to the floor. The spring was completely unloaded and popped out quite safely. The back end is still up a little bit, it needs to settle a bit more (I went with #1 pads in the front and #2 in the back - I'll keep you guys updated on how the car settles).

I regret not ordering a completely new tie-rod assembly. I will now be upgrading to 16-valve sway bars and then install a new tie-rod assembly at the same time. My disease has gotten much worse. I'm trying to justify a 5-speed gearbox and 16" Evolution I wheels.

But God it drives nicely now. Bilsteins are worth every penny.

SHYNE · #7 10-30-2007, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

Are you going to use adjustable cambers arms or a kmac kit for the rear?

I probably won't as I don't even drive the car very hard. I just love to have it sit low yet ride quite well (on the 15's anyway). I guess I'll see how I feel after 16-valve bars with a completely new tie-rod assembly. Tire wear be damned.

I'm considering buying a Triumph Speed Triple to address my speed needs.

greasybenz · #8 11-08-2007, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHYNE

I probably won't as I don't even drive the car very hard. I just love to have it sit low yet ride quite well (on the 15's anyway). I guess I'll see how I feel after 16-valve bars with a completely new tie-rod assembly. Tire wear be damned.

I'm considering buying a Triumph Speed Triple to address my speed needs.

Its not about whether you drive it hard or soft. The kmac kit or adjustable camber arms adress the rear tire wear issue that is pretty common when lowering these cars.