My wonderful car purred from CT to Mexico, but after driving on cobblestone roads for a year here, am hearing noise underneath. A Mexican mechanic tells me in spanish that I need an "auxiliary arm" in spanish, but we don't know the name of the part in english so that I can search for a replacement part. I am posting 2 photos...my understanding is that we need the name of the rubber bushing? for this metal part? Please help me id what I need to replace in order to eliminate the rattle. I'm also posting a third photo which I think is an upper arm? The small piece on the right side of the arm apparently needs to be replaced. What is this part called? And finally, is this car a W126 chassis? My ignorance is profound, but I'm only a woman who loves her Mercedes in Mexico! Thank you!

Attached Thumbnails

     

Idler arm bushing kit.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Never one to contradict MB Doc, but isn't that the pittman in that last picture?

Either way, she will want to get that fixed ASAP as that can be dangerous, and slop there will prematurely wear out the steering damper and the steering gear.

I wonder what kind of shape her guide rod bushings are in........



-tp

In the 3rd photo, the part that has "play" in it, is the far right piece of the straight arm that appears in the background right center of the photo. I think this is the left tie rod assembly? Is the Pittman arm the slightly curved part in the upper area of photo? Would I be safe in ordering a "Tie Rod End-
Left hand thread- Used on left tie rod 126 330 05 03"? Or should I just order the entire left tie rod assembly? Another photo attached shows the part again...the lowest straight arm from about mid center down towards the tire. Is this the tie rod or the pittman, and if it's the tie rod, is it as dangerous not to replace immediately? I have searched for the part called Pittman and can't find it anywhere. Is there another name for it? And lastly, where are the guide rod bushings and why can't I find that part when I search? Sorry for all these questions, but your responses are very appreciated! Thank you.

Attached Thumbnails

 

Yes, you correctly identified the left tie rod - the straight rod with the knob or "tie-rod end" screwed on each end. Probably better to just order the left tie rod complete. That way, you get both end joints replaced. Even safer, order the right tie rod also. It's seen as much use as the left, so it's probably getting loose also.
Yes, this is a critical part, if the "end" joint breaks, the wheel will turn full left or right without warning - you can imagine the results.

The pitman arm is the big curved arm on the left, with what looks like a small yellow label on it. One end of the left tie-rod attaches to it, along with one end of the "center tie-rod" or "drag link". This arm is very robust, and should never fail. It's the tie-rod and draglink joints that attach to it that can wear and fail. Of course, it controls the whole steering mechanism, so it should be inspected for good connection on both ends.

The guide rod is the other straight rod that runs towards the rear. At the rear of this rod is the "guide rod mount kit". It's similar to a big ball joint, and can become loose. You will notice this as a "clunk" when you step on the brake, or drive slowly over those cobblestones. Not nearly as dangerous as a worn tie-rod, it shouldn't suddenly break off. But all suspension components are critical of course. If you are looking at the internet suppliers like fastlane, look under: Suspension - control arm - guide rod mount kit.

Doc was , of course, right on with the idler arm kit. It comes with bushings
to tighten up the rotating "idler arm".

Oh, yes it's a 126.

DG

Oh, I forgot to add; if you are doing internet searches, you might look under ************************. They have drawings of all the various systems and components on your 126, with identifying names.
You can become an expert, and make a copy to communicate better with your mechanic.

DG

Thank you very much! I will order those parts online and have them sent to my daughter in Portland who is coming down for Christmas. This forum is invaluable.

When you order, be sure to check out the parts supplier here on the forum - Fastlane. They help make this forum possible.

DG

I did. I talked to Phil and he was terrific with pricing and getting out the shipment for arrival tomorrow to my daughter in Portland, OR, so that I'll have the parts on Tuesday when she comes down to visit me for the holidays. Looks like we'll be able to drive over the mountains to Manzanillo after all. He was also friendly and helpful and I highly recommend him. Happy Holidays to you and everyone on the forum!
Arlene