Hi,
Just been informed that the pitman arm, idler arm, tie rods and ball joints excessively worn out on my '84 w123d. The thing has had a fair bit of play in steering but now has as much as 3mm.

Simply query: is this likely to cost a fortune to repair?

Many thanks,

David Rayment.

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1984 300D 235000 kms
Sydney, Australia.

On my '83 W123, it cost about US $800 (included new front shocks) to have this done. I consider that a lot of money, however, at that point the car was about 14 years old and had about 215,000 mi. on it so I figured I had certainly gotten my money's worth.

My advice: If you pay someone to do it, take it to someone you trust. Would you be surprised to know that a dealer technician (or technicians) left off a few parts causing odd (dangerous?) steering behavior? That was the last time my M-Bs have been serviced at a dealership - I've subsequently found an independent that is a gem and does the stuff I don't have the tools or expertise to do.

Good luck-

Terry

David R.
One additional item, with all this other work being done, make sure to have them adjsut your steering box. At your mileage this will greatly enhance the driving experience of your MB. It is quick and simple for an experienced technician.

moraine/Terry.
Very unfortunate, your bad experience at the dealer.

FYI Benzmac One of the creators of this site is an independent. We keep it positive in here!!


[This message has been edited by Benzmac (edited 08-19-1999).]

Come on guys! Let's not get a flame war started here between dealer Techs and independent Techs. You can find good ones and bad ones in both places. We all have our stories. Go to a mailing list or a newsgroup somewhere if you want to argue that point. We don't want to pay for the server space required to store an archive full of flames.

Let's just stick to asking for and providing Tech Help...that's what we're here for.

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

Just wanted to say thank you to you all for replying... 800 US? Ouch! But yep, it's worth it.

Cheers


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1984 300D 235000 kms
Sydney, Australia.