Idler Arm Part 84 380 SL

[matt7531]

I have my car over at a local Firestone shop having new tie rods put in, and new idler arm bushings. The service writer at Firestone says that I am going to have a big problem if the idler arm wears out beyond the point it can be re-fitted with new bushings, because this part is no longer available. Is this true? Anyone know where I can buy a new one? He says he just doesn't have a source.

[halman2228]

matt -

Look here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2454069785&category=42609

I take it you didn't like the guys at EuroTechs over on 45 @ 2920?

Kevin

[airedale]

Parts seem to abound for these cars, check http://www.adsitco.com/

[dmorrison]

The W107 idle arm housing is welded to the frame of the car. The bushing kits are what you buy to rebuild the unit. I have not heard of the housing "wearing out" If it is damaged in an accident well then of course you have a problem. But its about a 1/8 inch steel tube that is welded to the frame.
Look at the kit. The rubber is what deteriorates and wears so as long as you maintain it you should not have any problems.

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/M303027108FEB.JPG

or, click on the image

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1HP0UHAKC1HP0UHF97&year=1982&make=MB&model=300-TDT-001&category=M&part=Idler+Arm+Repair+Kit

Dave

[matt7531]

Originally Posted by halman2228

matt -

Look here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2454069785&category=42609

I take it you didn't like the guys at EuroTechs over on 45 @ 2920?

Kevin

I took it to ******** of Switzerland downtown for an estimate, and then to the local Firestone by my house, a place my dad swears by. Firestone was $400 cheaper on the bid. I got the car back today, and it drives great. I do need to find a good MB mechanic, though. I paid 3$ for this 1984 380, it has 172,000k, but it runs good, so I figure I can spend a little money on it. Do you recommend that shop?

[matt7531]

Originally Posted by dmorrison

The W107 idle arm housing is welded to the frame of the car. The bushing kits are what you buy to rebuild the unit. I have not heard of the housing "wearing out" If it is damaged in an accident well then of course you have a problem. But its about a 1/8 inch steel tube that is welded to the frame.
Look at the kit. The rubber is what deteriorates and wears so as long as you maintain it you should not have any problems.

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/M303027108FEB.JPG

or, click on the image

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1HP0UHAKC1HP0UHF97&year=1982&make=MB&model=300-TDT-001&category=M&part=Idler+Arm+Repair+Kit

Dave

I think the service writer just had his head up his hiney. They fixed it just fine with a bushing kit.