W126 idler arm bushings

[sixto]

I'm reading through the W126 idler arm removal and replacement process. The last step is "check balljoint and adjust if required (40-320)." 40-320 is the front wheel alignment job. Does this last step mean to check the general wheel alignment after replacing the idler arm bushings, or is there a ball joint local to the idler arm that needs checking?

Is the idler arm keyed to the big bolt that goes through the idler arm bushing? Is there a position to note when taking off the idler arm?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE

[Stan Pittman]

Replacing the idler arm bushings should not effect the alignment as long as you don't adjust anything else but it's always a good idea to have the alignment checked whenever you do any repairs to the steering.

[Mervyn]

Today I just bought a set of idler arm repair kit, a steering damper (stabilizer), and steering coupling for my 1983 W126 (280SEL).

Sixto, will it be too much to list all the steps of the idler arm removal and replacement process? I would be glad if you could. Thanks!

Stan, apart from checking the front wheel alignment, would there be anything else to look into once the above items are replaced?

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

[Mervyn]

Hi Sixto and Stan,

I had my steering damper and idler arm bush (idler arm repair kit) replaced yesterday, but the groaning sound still stays.

Please read a related thread at this link:
Creaking sound from undercarriage: any ideas?

For those who are curious as to whether it's time for them to replace their steering damper/idler arm bush, let me say this: Go do it and you'll be VERY pleasantly surprised! Trust me. My original damper has lost so much of the shock absorbant property, and the idler arm bush took a considerable amount of effort to yank it out. Must have been there for a good 18 years!! Can you imagine that? The rubber bushings have dried up, as expected. This job is quite an easy job though, very cheap too, at least for me here in Singapore. Damper cost me USD$9, and the idler arm repair kit also cost USD$9. Now the steering feels great, no longer "loose" and it wanders so much less than previously. There is much more "feel" in the steering now, it feels like new. Go do it!

Sixto, yes, I'm from Singapore, have you been here? And where are you located? Anyway, thanks for the Idler Arm R&R.

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

[Mervyn]

I did not replace the steering coupling though, cos my mech says it is very unlikely to fail, and the labor getting to the coupling is rather extensive (having to remove the steering box), so I gave up on that.

Just curious, Sixto, what made you want to replace your damper and idler arm bush?

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

[Mervyn]

Hi janamarie,

OMG this thread goes a long time ago. I have since sold my W126.

I could open the url with no problems. But I'm attaching the PDF files of the 2 pages of thread in that link, hope this helps.

http www.peachparts.com shopforum showthread1.pdf

http www.peachparts.com shopforum showthread2.pdf