Steering after new Tie Rod ends, ball joints & drag link

[Jase25]

Hi All,

I recently replaced the tie rod ends, ball joints, sway bar bushes and drag link on my 1992 W124 230E Sportline.

The steering does seem "tighter" but it is more susceptible to undulations in the road. What I mean is if if drive over a ridge running along the road I can feel it pull the steering wheel more than before. If pulls the whole car off track.

It also feels like the front end may have a mind of it's own when going over a rise in the road and turning at the same time. The sensation is similar to that noted above and feels as if the front of the car slides around.

Does anyone know what might cause these symptoms? I also just had the wheel alignment done and they said they could not set the camber properly but I doubt this would be related.

Thanks,
Jase

[mbdoc]

More of a toe-in(out) problem OR caster issue!

[Jase25]

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

More of a toe-in(out) problem OR caster issue!

Thanks, the castor and camber are both out of spec after the wheel alignment. The shop said that the eccentric bolts are worn and therefore they couldn't get it right. They appeared fine to me when I had them out.

Should I have them loosen and re-tighten them with weight on the wheels and try again?

Also, would there be different settings for the alignment equipment for a sportline model? The guy there didn't seem to think so but surely it should be different.

Thanks,
Jase

['98 MB E320]

Originally Posted by Jase25

Hi All,

I recently replaced the tie rod ends, ball joints, sway bar bushes and drag link on my 1992 W124 230E Sportline.

The steering does seem "tighter" but it is more susceptible to undulations in the road. What I mean is if if drive over a ridge running along the road I can feel it pull the steering wheel more than before. If pulls the whole car off track.

It also feels like the front end may have a mind of it's own when going over a rise in the road and turning at the same time. The sensation is similar to that noted above and feels as if the front of the car slides around.



Does anyone know what might cause these symptoms? I also just had the wheel alignment done and they said they could not set the camber properly but I doubt this would be related.

Thanks,
Jase

I have a 98 E320 (W210.065) that had this very same issue. Which Actually turned out to be a leaking steering rack, after replacement it has solved this, however, I did notice that I have OEM Bushings and bolts and beleave that before to long I will need to replace both (due to tire wear).

BUT MBDOC IS MUCH MORE QUALIFIED THAN ME, SO I WOULD LISTEN WELL TO HIS ADVICE.

So while you are inspecting look closely at boots and seals

Good luck

[MattBelliveau]

Idler arm?

['98 MB E320]

The shop said that the eccentric bolts are worn and therefore they couldn't get it right. They appeared fine to me when I had them out.




SO you know a visual inspection of the bolts is not a accurate way of determining quality

[Jase25]

Originally Posted by '98 MB E320

The shop said that the eccentric bolts are worn and therefore they couldn't get it right. They appeared fine to me when I had them out.




SO you know a visual inspection of the bolts is not a accurate way of determining quality

How would one tell whether they're worn then?