Got the SLC back - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

doodah · #1 09-21-2003, 12:17 PM

Was at the dealer getting the subframe replaced under recall. They replaced subframe, new mounting kit w/bushings, new tie rods and drag link, new steering shock, new motor mounts, and new control arm bushings. Paid for parts but no labor so it was a pretty good deal, they even let me bring my own parts! Car does feel tighter but I still have a horrible shake at speeds above 60 and a clunk/clank in the steering column. Mechanic said the coupler in the steering box might need to be replaced, or the entire unit. Could the support bearing for the drive shaft cause a great deal of vibration if it's shot? I know the ball joints need to be replaced, could they cause the vibration?

doodah · #2 09-24-2003, 07:09 PM

No help on this?

rmasteller · #3 09-24-2003, 08:42 PM

I know the older cars (W108 and W113 chassis) had a steering column joint just above the steering box at the firewall. It could be taken apart (drop the steering box, etc.) and the hard plastic bushings in the joint replaced. I don't know if a W107 column is like this or not. Have someone turn the wheel while you view the column in the engine bay with a flashlight. Look for play/slop in movement of parts.

cbdo · #4 09-25-2003, 08:07 PM

I wouldn't necessarily expect loose ball joints to cause vibration, but the clunk certainly could be a possiblity. I'd wonder if part of the problem might simply be tires/wheels out of balance. If you had everything apart to that degree, the ball joints would have been a simple addition; surprised they weren't done.
I'd start with balancing, then think about ball joints since you know they're worn, then look at the rest of the system if there's still a problem.

DavidSoine · #5 09-25-2003, 10:02 PM

Shake "should" be tire or wheel related. Jack up each front wheel, spin it, and look to see if it is actually round or not. Are the wheels bent? It's easy to see while the wheel spins.

While it is up there grab the wheel (use safe jacking procedures, etc) and feel for the loose balljoints or other play.

I find it hard to believe that the shop that did all the other work would let the car go without replacing any balljoints that were bad...

best,

Dave
87 560sl

doodah · #6 09-26-2003, 09:03 AM

I am thinking it might be tires too. The car sat for maybe over a year without being driven, or even just having the engine run. The mechanic at the shop didn't mention the ball joints, I looked at them and the grease boots are collapsed so I thought they might be bad. I'll take the car to the tire shop and have them rotate and balance to see if they can even get them balanced. If they can't I guess I can have the tires shaved to true them. Thanks for the responses, I hoped something like ball joints wouldn't cause such a problem. I'll post more detail after the weekend.

DavidSoine · #7 09-26-2003, 09:28 AM

If the tires are out of round, replace them. Period. Be sure the guys at the tire shop look for out of round tires or bent rims...

best,

Dave

doodah · #8 09-29-2003, 06:30 PM

Took it to the tire shop and they said the tires that are on the car haven't been made in over 11 years. I guess my dad's memory is going a little, he told me the tires were only a couple years old. Anyway flat spots and age have made the tires unsafe. One thing I noticed when taking it back was the vibration and noise was mainly at higher speeds and most noticeable on accelerating and decellerating which makes me think it might be the support bearing. It looks like the driveshaft is in some sort of pocket under the car and it might be a tougher job than I thought. Anyone changed this thing out before? Thanks for all your help, we'll get this thing smooth soon........I hope!