Rattling cage
 

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Just finished changing all four shocks (Bilstein Comfort) and I still find the car quite rough on simple road bumps and cracks.

I have decided to proceed with changing all of the old rubber bushings underneath and other components that may be causing the rough ride.

I was just wondering if anyone out there knows where I should begin (in order of priority) to notice the change. I've already bought a sway bar repair kit, but I was wondering if maybe it might be the steering damper, or the UA arms or something else.

Please help.

Thanks,

AARON ROCHARD

1976 230.4 W115

Based on my 240D, I would say:
1) control arms
2) sub-frame mounts
3) steering shock
4) misc.

I can think of some other members that can give better detail, so I will leave it at that. Cheers, Andrew Seidel.

I am sure you know if the tires are over inflated that will give a rough ride just thought that I would remind you of that .

Took a look at my contol arm bushings and, well, they almost don't exist anymore. I'll go ahead and order the repair kit.

Just wondering if anyone could estimate how long a job like that would take. One mechanic said maybe 4-5 hours a side. Does that sound right ?

AARON ROCHARD

1976 230.4 W115

If you are getting into it that far, you might as well do as much as possible in one shot. Remember, everytime you take the front end apart, you'll have to get an alignment. Doing it piecemeal will kill you in alignment costs (unless you have an alignment rack in the garage ;)).

"Took a look at my contol arm bushings and, well, they almost don't exist anymore."

These are not likely to affect a rough ride much. They CAN be an indication of the rubber deterioration you can expect at more critical points. They can also affect noise, handling, steering shimmy, etc.

For RIDE related issues, look first to those areas where weight is supported. Upper spring mounts, subframe mounts, and any shock attachment rubber not replaced with the shocks.

Steve

If these parts are shot, they should definitely be replaced, but they won't have anything to do with a rough ride, unless you are terming rattling noises as a rough ride.

You will have to compress and remove the springs to replace them. If you are going to that much trouble, I would replace it all.

Good luck,

Thanks for the advice guys, unfortunately I alread paid for an alignment recently, guess I should have asked first.

My complaint is that I get a creaking noise everytime I hit a bump or go over a speed bump. I notice my front end dipping a bit when breaking and the steering doesn't seem too stable.

If I'm going to undertake such a huge job, I'd like to know at least if all these things are justified. Maybe I should start with the steering shock and/or new shock rubber. (I'm not sure if it was changed with the shocks.)

I had all 4 shocks changed recently (Bilstein Comforts) and I find that the car rattles just a little too much when hitting rough spots. Is it natural for these older cars to rattle more, or should I start with my steering? Maybe just an adjustment ?

I'm all confused.

AARON ROCHARD

1976 230.4 W115

I guess semantics is causing confusion. Rattling noises can certainly come from worn bushings in the suspension arms. There are also bushings supporting the steering idler, and this will cause a loose steering feel, and imprecision when they are worn. There are some simple diagnostics that can be done with the car on the ground, wheels jacked up, etc, that can pinpoint any worn or broken parts. Do a search here, as these are common questions.

Steve

Took the car into Midas (just to check it out) and they say it's the Control Arm bushings. Sounds about right to me. I've already ordered the parts online.

Just wondering how long a job is this ? They said 3 hours a side. I'm not familiar with this job.

If anyone knows out there, I'd appreciate a guess.

AARON ROCHARD

1976 230.4 W115