front clunking noise

[Swan]

just bought a 1979 300sd. a mercedes mechanic told me all i needed was new shocks. so now i have a smooth ride to accompany the clunking noise i hear at low speeds when i go over bumps. the mechanic had it up on a hoist and couldn't exactly pinpoint the problem by tugging on stuff. though, there are two sets of bushings (one set on each side of the car) in close proximity to each other that look worn. are these my upper and lower control arm bushings? he said i'm looking at ~$400 to replace them. (i only paid $1,200 for the car!) should i just find the parts somewhere and have pep boys install them?
thanks.

[tvpierce]

I wouldn't let Pep Boys change my wiper blades!

$400 seem like a fair price. I doubt you'd get a better price from Pep Boys.

Jeff Pierce

[TX76513]

Guide Rods? Look here on Fastlane (the forum sponsor)

[67rsss6spd]

You should also check your sway bar brackets,they are know to break and this will cause a noise going over bumps.

[Hatterasguy]

I would fully expect and plan on doing a front end rebuild on a 26 year old car. They usually run just over $1k, you could do a lot yourself it is pretty simple.

Do a search this has been coverd before.

[Swan]

it wasn't until i got to the THIRD mechanic that the mysterious clunking noise was discovered. two bolts on the front wheel brake assembly were loose. "that'll be $15" was a great relief. i came so close to having the $400+ job done. can you imagine how torqued i would have been to pay over $400 and have the guy say "uh, i guess that didn't fix it either". thanks for all your input.