W124 - 1994 E320 Idler Arm Issue
 

Hi,

Having found a lot of play in the idler arm (bushings) on my '94 e320, I purchased a rebuild kit.

After installing the kit, there is no change in the amount of play. I assumed that that's how it's designed, but it does seem excessive.

How do I know if it's too much play, or just normal for the design? It really doesn't take much force on the passenger side wheel to get it (the idler arm center bolt) to 'cant' in the bushed housing, and actually sounds like it's maxing out to a solid stop.

There is a slight shimmy in the front end at highway speeds.

Thanks for any assistance!

Mark

Did you use an OEM kit?

I think so, but I'll check tomorrow and post. It was not a MB part.

Mark

I found out this was NOT an OEM part. The seller said it was made by the same manufacturer that makes MOOG and TRW. I think I'll go direct to MB for another kit, and rebuild it again.

Unless there is a suggestion for an upgrade, or higher performance part?

Mark

I would recommend you get the part right here...top of page..Buy Parts

Then you know ...If the part you installed has the bushings all the way seated into the tube and the washers installed and nut tightened correctly, there should be NO canting of the arm..or not enough for you to notice buy simple tire turning hand force.

I would recommend you get the part right here...top of page..Buy Parts

Then you know ...If the part you installed has the bushings all the way seated into the tube and the washers installed and nut tightened correctly, there should be NO canting of the arm..or not enough for you to notice buy simple tire turning hand force.

http://catalog.worldpac.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=2AO123CS42CB10GTF1&year=1994&make=MB&model=E-320-001&category=M&part=Idler+Arm+Repair+Kit

I don't mind getting another rebuild kit if it needs it. Yesterday, we had 190 2.3 on the lift. I noticed that the steering design was very similar. For the heck of it, I checked the idler arm on it. Putting moderate force on the passenger side wheel left and right produced a very similar canting of the bolt, as it compressed the rubber bushings inside the housing.

So, can I take from this that there is in fact a normal amount of flex, that is easily seen, that is inherent in the design? I don't assume to know how much flex is too much flex, only that I see similar amounts of flex in both cars.

<<So, can I take from this that there is in fact a normal amount of flex, that is easily seen, that is inherent in the design? >>

I am sure that there will be some flex to absorb pot hole jar and such road conditions, but I doubt severe canting of the main bolt would be normal and correct . If it were , you should/would have fun steering on a rough road.
I have a 124.032 here with nil/none, and the bushing kit is a year old.
Did you try pulling up/down on the arm?

The car you are comparing to may have a worn bushing...is that known to be new/good??


Also, you have a complaint on a shimmy at highway speeds.. so, for starters,I would do a wheel/tire balance check and wheel bearing adjustment check with that type of complaint.