Steering vibration on '86 300E

[hs_300e]

I have replaced the lower ball joints (both sides) and the front tires (Michellen MXV4+) on my '86 300 E (70K miles) and when I drive down a rough road, I feel a slight vibration at the streeing wheel. On a good road, it is as smooth as can be.

Would replacing the streeing dampener and/or the idler arm bushing kit cure the problem?

I have looked at the inner and outer tie rod ends, and they look ok - no tears or rips on the rubber boots.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

hs

[sbourg]

Laying next to the vehicle so you can see the idler arm, engine off, have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth just until resistance is felt. If you see side-to-side play in the idler shaft(instead of rotation), the bushing should be replaced. It was easy on a 190E 2.3, but I have heard more difficult on the 300E.

I haven't replaced the damper yet on ours, but I suspect it would take some of the shock out of rough roads, and is cheap through Fastlane. Steering sector endplay can cause problems too, though, and this adjustment looks like a b_____ to do on the car.

Steve

[csnow]

I would also vote for the idler arm bushings as a leading suspect.
Start there.