Can the symptoms of lower ball joint wear be affected by temperature? This Spring with a little over 150,000 km my E430 started drifting / tramlining to grooves in the road while driving straight. Did the following work:
1) Alignment (Hunter equipment) and it improved marginally.
2) Replace the front sway bar bushings (knocking sound over small bumps at low speed)- knocking sound gone and drifting improved marginally.
3) Tires are about 1 year old. Pirelli P-Zero Nero All Seasons.

Am now considering lower ball joint replacement, but since the weather has gotten hotter into summer, the car tracks normally as it should. No weird symptoms of drifting or tramlining. On colder days, the symptoms reappear.

Am I on the right track to consider lower ball joints? Thanks in advance for your responses.

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ARVY

1999 E430
1999 C230 Kompressor
1992 300E (write-off)
1984 190D 2.2 (sold)

Of course, rubber contracts and expands. They'll shrink in cold and leave more "wiggle" room.

Pirelli tires aren't helping.....get some Michelins

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

Also consider steering damper.

I am assuming they contain gas, which would expand more in warmer weather and perhaps make a leaky damper feel a bit firmer.

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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black

How are your tie rod ends?

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http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-RESIZED-1.jpg
1991 300E - 212K and rising fast...

Ties are fine having been recently replaced with Lemfoerders.

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ARVY

1999 E430
1999 C230 Kompressor
1992 300E (write-off)
1984 190D 2.2 (sold)

My thoughts on the rubber expansion exactly. Pirellis have been great. I have Michelins for the snow. Thanks!

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ARVY

1999 E430
1999 C230 Kompressor
1992 300E (write-off)
1984 190D 2.2 (sold)

Will definitely consider but I think I'll go with checking out the lower ball joints first. Thanks!

__________________
ARVY

1999 E430
1999 C230 Kompressor
1992 300E (write-off)
1984 190D 2.2 (sold)

Lower ball joints replaced. Symptoms gone. Dealer checked other steering components and gave two thumbs up. Thanks for your replies.

__________________
ARVY

1999 E430
1999 C230 Kompressor
1992 300E (write-off)
1984 190D 2.2 (sold)