My 84 SD with 230K is in need of tie rod replacents as the rubber bushings have started to crack, and the alignment shop noted a slight play in the tie-rod ends. However, I had just replaced these tie rods less than 1 yr ago, and 10K miles? How could the rubber seals crack so soon. The parts are from performance products/impco which claims to use OEM/german products.

Has anyone else had problems with tie rods going bad so soon? Or is it possible I'm installing them incorrectly?

Also, the shop noted I need the idler arm bushing assy replaced. Is this a DIY job, or is it best left to the shop?

All can be replaced by the DIY, but how will you align it? You will need to do this after replacing any suspension components. Also some people sell replacement components that do not last as long as OE. There is a stamp on the bottom of the joints that will indicate the type.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM