Hey guys I have a 1983 300cdt with 85k on the car , front end is pretty tight but can due with a alinement next time I put some new tires on ...Not sure when pirelli last made the P400 tire ...there on there and still have about 10K of meat with no dry rot .
I had the front wheel off to fix a flat and did notice the rubber boots on the tie rods are starting to break down .
This is my first mercedes , I noticed no grease fittings on the front end ...what is the expected life of a W123 front end parts .
Are the boots sold seprately ...I seen the price on a complete link is pretty cheap too .
Thanks

greg

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1983 300cd

Might as well get the whole links (left, right, center) when they are done for.

The boots to watch, are the lower ball joint boots. It's not that the balljoints are expensive....it's that you need a special tool to get the new ones in (ie go to shop, or rent one).

Saying how long front end components are going to last is......Well... you might as well call Madam Cleo, since it depends on your roads and how you drive, and what you hit and avoid.
I feel comfortable saying that most lower balljoints will need replacing around 130k, the uppers will usually last quite a bit longer than their bushings (it's more of a control arm/ball joint combo). The tie rods might make it to see 200k.
Besides the above mentioned road conditions and driving patterns, your location will play a large part in how long parts will last - not my prognostications.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

The boots can be replaced if the joint is still tight.

I think they can often last twice 130K.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.