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  #1  
Old 11-25-2009, 03:28 PM
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Ouch - MB shop says I need a complete front end rebuild

They provided a whole laundry list of parts, along with parts numbers, because they know I'll be doing it myself.

My question is this - exactly how are they determining that these parts are bad?

For example, I supposedely need new lower control arm bushings. However, there is no sign of cracking or age on the existing bushings.

I also supposedly need new guide rods and mounts, however unless the rod is bent, I don't understand why the rod itself would require replacement. I'm pretty sure the mount needs to be replaced, because I get a nice clunk while braking hard, but other than that, I nothing.

There's also tie rod ends, idler arm, etc... however I can't feel any "slop" in the steering at all. I've got tires on it that sat, unmoved, for 2 years and don't even get any vibration in my steering wheel.

Same thing with the suspension steering bracket bushings/bearings - no cracks, pulled back rubber, etc...

Did they just make recommendations based on age of the vehicle or am I missing something?

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  #2  
Old 11-25-2009, 03:31 PM
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Let me guess...dealer?
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  #3  
Old 11-25-2009, 03:35 PM
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Nope, dealer alternative. Specializes in MB & BMW only, especially older models.

Plus, they knew going into it that I would be doing all the work - I basically paid for an undercar inspection because I'm lazy and not familiar with MB suspension.

They do sell parts, though...
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  #4  
Old 11-25-2009, 03:39 PM
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If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you feel you need the guide rod mounts, cool. I would assume the rest is based on age. If you don't notice a problem, I would address it. My $.02
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  #5  
Old 11-27-2009, 01:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dhjenkins View Post
I basically paid for an undercar inspection because I'm lazy and not familiar with MB suspension.
Sounds like you did an inspection yourself anyway!, and now you're a little more familiar with it.
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  #6  
Old 11-27-2009, 05:53 PM
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It's a 1985 which means it's 24 years old which means of course it needs a complete suspension rebuild. The rubber could easily have been gone 10 years ago.
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  #7  
Old 11-27-2009, 07:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lkchris View Post
It's a 1985 which means it's 24 years old which means of course it needs a complete suspension rebuild. The rubber could easily have been gone 10 years ago.
I second that.


However, I've never rebuilt any of ours and they all drive pretty well. Not perfect, but plenty well.
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  #8  
Old 11-27-2009, 09:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lkchris View Post
It's a 1985 which means it's 24 years old which means of course it needs a complete suspension rebuild. The rubber could easily have been gone 10 years ago.
Are you saying that the rubber, while showing zero signs of breakdown, could still be "bad"? That seems unlikely.

Shouldn't it be cracked, shrunk, extra hard, etc...?

Also, my own after-action suspension inspection shows a few MB replacement parts, and the previous owner took excellent care of his vehicles. It's entirely possible that quite a few of the age-related suggested parts could have already been replaced.
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Last edited by dhjenkins; 11-27-2009 at 09:31 PM.
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  #9  
Old 11-27-2009, 10:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dhjenkins View Post
Are you saying that the rubber, while showing zero signs of breakdown, could still be "bad"? That seems unlikely.

Shouldn't it be cracked, shrunk, extra hard, etc...?

Also, my own after-action suspension inspection shows a few MB replacement parts, and the previous owner took excellent care of his vehicles. It's entirely possible that quite a few of the age-related suggested parts could have already been replaced.
I agree. Of course it is never wrong to replace old parts but not always strictly necessary. I use a policy of replacing the ones that are worn out and keeping the ones in service that are not.

Some shops are reluctant to do it this way but the shop I use is willing to work with me on it. As a result I have been their customer for over 20 years.
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  #10  
Old 11-28-2009, 06:52 AM
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I would do the tie rod ends and repack/adjust the front bearings. If it seems nice to you then, wait until you get any other symptoms. The lower ball joints do tend to fail after 200K or so, however, which could be a good time to replace together with the LCA bushings.
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  #11  
Old 11-28-2009, 07:14 AM
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front end suspension

I am on a mission to replace as much of the front end as possible. I purchased the "kit of parts" from deutschepartsusa on eBay specific to the vehicle. So far I have replaced the tie rods, upper control arms, center link, idler arm, and will do the lower control arm bushings and ball joints when I am able to rent a spring compressor. I also replaced the old shocks with Bilstein (comforts); all of which has made an unbelieveable difference to the feel of the front end. After 23 years, even rubber that looked good on casual inspection turned out to be completely gone; held together by layers of road grime.

My 2c, don't hesitate to replace everything your budget will allow; it is worth every cent.
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  #12  
Old 11-28-2009, 01:20 PM
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I think I was looking at that same parts kit on ebay.

Looked alot cheaper than buying single parts, and it was supposedly all OEM.
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  #13  
Old 11-28-2009, 02:28 PM
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  #14  
Old 11-28-2009, 10:52 PM
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Yeah, I've decided against the ebay deal (was looking at a guide rod mount set). The brand is "Hamburg Technic", and there's not a lot good things posted about the quality (or even country of origin) of HT parts.

You know what they say - when it looks too good to be true...
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  #15  
Old 11-30-2009, 12:08 AM
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It may look ok, and feel OK, but trust me, if it's over 10-years old and it's rubber, it has lived it's useful life, and the compliance is all gone.

Since it's your labor, I would DEFINITELY do it once and do it right.

I've rebuilt three W124 front & rear suspensions, and it really brings back the "special" quality of a W124.

:-) neil
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