W126 Estimate 4 Front End Work
 

Now that I'm back amongst the employed, I'm trying to catch up on some
overdue repairs. Last week I put new tie rods and center link on my car ('87
560SEL). In doing so, I noticed that the lower control arm bushings are shot. This is NOT a repair I'm going to do myself as I don't have a spring compressor so I'm in the process of getting estimates.

The first shop, the ones who did the alignment after I replaced the steering
linkage, also indicated that the upper ball joints should be replaced.
They've quoted me $1070 parts and labor to do both items on both sides.

Two questions:
Is this a reasonable price?
Is there anything else that likely needs to be done and/or would be easy to
do once these other components are being addressed? (in otherwords, how can I maximize the return on my investment in shop labor)

Thanks,
jlc

Look on Ebay for a spring compressor:

http://motors.search.ebay.com/mercedes-tools_W0QQfromZR8QQsas_partneridZ2QQsamotorscategorymapZ6000

I'm going to get one and continue to fix my front end.

I started earlier this year.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/91934-w126-front-end-work.html

You will need some tools to do it yourself.

w

For that kind of money, why not just rebuild the entire front end and be done with it.

fahrgewehr2,

I gather from your post that this is rather high, which I suspected. I'd love to get the whole front end done for that figure but I just need to find someone willing to do it.

As for getting a spring compressor - I could but this isn't the time of year when I have the time to spend hours under the car in the cold.

jlc

The upper ball joint job is a pretty easy DIY project. You have to replace the entire upper control arm. $200 and two hours is about what it would take. If you can do the tie rods, you can do the upper control arms. No spring compressor required.

Tangofox - Great reply! Please continue!!

I have a 1989 560SEL with similar issues. Please clarify - the upper ball joint/control arm can be replaced without a spring compressor, in two hours? It looks more involved than this, but perhaps I am missing some easy solution? I see the parts on Fastlane cost $105 USD per side.

What about the lower control arm bushing? Where it meets the frame, containing the eccentric adjusting bolt. Does this replacement require a spring compressor?

Thanks!

A spring compressor must be used to replace the lower control arm bushing and the cone shaped bushings for the lower track/brake rod. While the upper control arm can be replaced without the spring compressor, the nut and bolt on the drivers side is a PITA to get at and replace. Also, if the sway bar end bushings are replaced, it's also a PITA to get everything properly aligned to get that bolt in and tightened. Get a friend.

Don't even mention the chassis mounted sway bar bushings under the brake booster/master cylinder. :(

what the heck was MB thinking? i replaced my LCAs and other bits and when i got the sway bar bushings i got annoyed. i replaced the one under the battery, but the other under the booster is still original... i will do it in conjuction with brake work, but geez.

I was able to get a second estimate from a MB only independant who comes well recommended. He quoted $1,700 to do the whole front end plus rear shocks. This sounds reasonable given the previous quote that was just a portion of the job.

For comparison, the local dealership gave me a ballpark figure of $2,200 on the phone.

jlc