Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Tech Help

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-30-2002, 11:04 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 29
Rebuilding 300E suspension

I am slowly replacing worn suspension components on my '86 300E. So far I have done front struts, rear shocks, diff. mounts, thrust arms, idler arm bushings, sway bar bushings, and steering damper. Here's what I am faced with now. My mechanic has given a list of what he thinks should be replaced. All prices are parts and labor:

center drag link - $145
both tie rods - $165
complete control arm with new bushings and ball joints - $713
alignment of course - $100

Right ball joint and tie rod both have torn boots, so I'm in at least that far. This would be my first "big" repair and am trying not to get queasy. Any thoughts? Do these prices seem reasonable?

Blake
'86 300E
256K

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-31-2002, 09:26 AM
csnow's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Mass
Posts: 1,127
$713 sounds high for a control arm rebuild or replacement, unless that includes both sides, in which case it's a good deal.
__________________
1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-31-2002, 10:13 AM
drbrandini's Avatar
GO DUKE!
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Wrightsville Beach NC
Posts: 1,512
Blake,

I'm not sure if you replaced the struts and shocks or if it sounds that way in your post via words. However, If you have enough mechanical ability to replace those, the center link or drag link as some call and the tie rods should be no match. It is a fairly easy job. you will just need to rent the tool.

Good luck
__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-31-2002, 11:13 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 29
Yes, the $713 is for both sides. I did the front struts and rear shocks, they were not hard at all.

Is the tool I would need a generic tie rod separator for the drag link and tie rods? Thanks for the replies.

Blake
'86 300E
256K
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-31-2002, 12:52 PM
csnow's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Mass
Posts: 1,127
A generic tie rod separator will work for all of the balljoints in the rack.

I really do not like the 'pickle fork' type because they do so much damage, but I suppose that is ok if they are being replaced.

The '2-arm puller' type of separator is very effective, and does no damage to the boots.

This rack bits are a good DIY project. Try to get the alignment close enough to drive to the alignment shop by marking everything before disassembly.

The Control arm rebuilds are a bit more involved. I have participated in rebuilding 6 of them this year, and now have the process down to a science, but I would not classify this as an easy job.

__________________
1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:17 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page