I'd like collective advice on my upcoming suspension rebuild. My W202 C36 AMG has 99k and obviously worn-out tie rods, I'm trying to determine what else to replace "while I'm in there". The only item with visible wear is the outer tie rods, which have torn boots. I'm on a budget, so I can't replace everything, but I'd like advice as to what is typically worn out at 100k. My list right now:

Complete tie rod/center link assy
Idler arm bushing
Front sway links
Ball joints
Rear sway links

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Matt J.
'95 C36 AMG

IF it Ain't broke don't fix it! However check all other parts for wear.
Lower control arm bushings & ball joints are common wear points.

The tie-rod is an assembly & replacement requires re-alignment.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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44 years foreign automotive repair
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MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
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Retired Moderator

At 100k, do you think the control arm bushings are shot? They're difficult to visually diagnose and the car still rides very well.

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Matt J.
'95 C36 AMG

Yeah, by 100k c-arm bushings are a sure bet to be wasted. When they are really bad you get a thunk when braking hard in reverse. If you don't replace them before the alignment, then you'll probably end up with a marginal alignment, and it will possibly require camber/caster bolt replacement that wouldn't be needed with good bushings.

Unless you are having a specific problem with the sway bar links, I wouldn't replace them, front or rear. Since they do not affect alignment I'd only replace them as needed when a problem arises..

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90 300TE 4-M
Turbo 103, T3/T04E 50 trim
T04B cover .60 AR
Stage 3 turbine .63 AR
A2W I/C, 40 LB/HR
MS2E, 60-2 Direct Coil Control
3" Exh, AEM W/B O2
Underdrive Alt. and P/S Pulleys,
Vented Rear Discs, .034 Booster.
3.07 diffs 1st Gear Start

90 300CE 104.980
Milled & ported head, 10.3:1 compression
197° intake cam w/20° advancer
Tuned CIS ECU
4° ignition advance
PCS TCM2000, built 722.6
600W networked suction fan
Sportline sway bars
V8 rear subframe, Quaife ATB 3.06 diff

Not to hijack the thread, but I want to replace my lower control arm bushings also. So we could both use the instructions. I have done some research and it seems a little difficult, a special tool to press them in and also a spring compressor. But I don't want to pay for all new control arms. The cheapest bushing tool I saw was over 100.00.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Further reading, I've seen suggested that only the front lower rear control arm bushings are prone to wearing out. Can anyone confirm this for me?

duxthe, I don't think I've had a higher mileage car that didn't have worn out sway bar bushings. Sometimes replacement can make a noticable difference in cornering performance.

mpolli, I've never done a W202, but I've done suspension rebuilds on several BMWs and a Saab. On all of them, I've managed to get the old bushings pushed out and new bearings pushed in using a adjustable 2-jaw puller and some improvising. Very handy tool. An impact wrench makes your life easier as well. Many auto parts stores loan/rent pullers and spring compressors if you don't want to buy.

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Matt J.
'95 C36 AMG

OK. Hurry up and do it and then tell me what to do!

I have done several of the other things you mentioned.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Unfortunately it will be mid-January until I have time, so I hope you aren't in a hurry.

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Matt J.
'95 C36 AMG