Control Arm

[kranje]

Would earlier W124 model control arm fit on the late w124 95 E320?

thanks

[Wodnek]

I do believe it would fit. The chief difference is that the ball joint is pressed into the older ones.

I am close by, what side do you need?

[babymog]

If you find this out definitively, please post the results. I have two new late arms, would like to install them on an '87, but am not sure that they are interchangeable, ... they still make separate part numbers for early and late cars.

[kranje]

I bought the left side in May whith ecc. bolts for late model and just bought for right side on ebay for $89 whith shipping but its for earlier model whith presed ball joint plus the ecc. bolts have to much play on the bushings.The seller posted for 94-95 returning it is not worth it.
I just don't want to take it apart for nothing.

[Wodnek]

Originally Posted by kranje

I bought the left side in May whith ecc. bolts for late model and just bought for right side on ebay for $89 whith shipping but its for earlier model whith presed ball joint plus the ecc. bolts have to much play on the bushings.The seller posted for 94-95 returning it is not worth it.
I just don't want to take it apart for nothing.

I understand. I am aware that they are different part numbers, but I still think that is due to the ball joints.

You could call Al's Auto Salvage in Franklin and see if its in their hollander interchange manual. I have done that a few times over the years.

[kranje]

I just finished installing the control arm for earlier w124 on the late model, results no good the ball joint grinds on the rotor. I'll just order the right one this time not from Ebay they post for 94-95 E320 and send you for earlier model and want you to pay to ship back no more junk from Ebay.

[ps2cho]

Originally Posted by kranje

I just finished installing the control arm for earlier w124 on the late model, results no good the ball joint grinds on the rotor. I'll just order the right one this time not from Ebay they post for 94-95 E320 and send you for earlier model and want you to pay to ship back no more junk from Ebay.

Shame I missed this thread...

The ball joint should not grind if you cut the dust shield. You should be getting the later style regardless though due to the fact the earlier style has less clearance to the bottom of the rotor than with the later style.

I've been running OK with late style rotors + calipers, but I did have to cut the shield completely away at the bottom and there is about 5mm gap between the two. No touching, but it is close.

[kranje]

Thanks for the info.
I did cut the shield on bottom it looked ok raised when I lowered the car to drive on ramps, I could hear it grinding, like you had the brake on anyway it'll be easy to take out now no rusted bolts.

Thanks

[ps2cho]

Originally Posted by kranje

Thanks for the info.
I did cut the shield on bottom it looked ok raised when I lowered the car to drive on ramps, I could hear it grinding, like you had the brake on anyway it'll be easy to take out now no rusted bolts.

Thanks

Good to know...so looks like the 93+ caliper and rotors (which are a little thicker than the 92) do not work at all with the early LCA's. Thanks for the information on that.

[babymog]

So I can install the '94/95 control arms on my '87 with no problems or changes in suspension geometry? This is what I would like to do, already have the parts. Should I also install '94/'95 dust shields when installing '94/'95 brakes on the front?

Did you also update your rear brakes or are you still running the early ones? Looks like there isn't clearance for the late rotors in the rear heat shields, and swapping rear heat shields looks like removing the park brake completely and pulling the hub, ... not sure I need bigger rear brakes that bad.

Thanks Psycho.

Originally Posted by ps2cho

Shame I missed this thread...

The ball joint should not grind if you cut the dust shield. You should be getting the later style regardless though due to the fact the earlier style has less clearance to the bottom of the rotor than with the later style.

I've been running OK with late style rotors + calipers, but I did have to cut the shield completely away at the bottom and there is about 5mm gap between the two. No touching, but it is close.

[ps2cho]

Originally Posted by babymog

So I can install the '94/95 control arms on my '87 with no problems or changes in suspension geometry? This is what I would like to do, already have the parts. Should I also install '94/'95 dust shields when installing '94/'95 brakes on the front?

Did you also update your rear brakes or are you still running the early ones? Looks like there isn't clearance for the late rotors in the rear heat shields, and swapping rear heat shields looks like removing the park brake completely and pulling the hub, ... not sure I need bigger rear brakes that bad.

Thanks Psycho.

Can't tell you for sure, but if there is, it is negligible.

You can install the accompanying dust shields or cut your own. Removal of the shields is a PIA though.

I am still running the early rears, but when the time comes to replace the rotors I will put the bigger rear on. I have the calipers...just saving it for another day.

Yes rear you need to pull everything off. Just cut where you need to and use a mallet to knock back the rest of the shield so the rotor fits that way it is still intact as much as possible. No harm done since there is no ball joint to be concerned about with cutting.

[babymog]

Is removal that big a deal on the front? I was guessing it would be fairly easy once the brakes are off, just pull the hub from the spindle and a few small bolts? I can still get the shields from the donor car.

[ps2cho]

I personally wouldn't bother. If it were me, I'd just reshape your current shields with a small mallet. Less money, nobody will ever see it and will save you a bunch of time.