Howdy All -

I've been carefully going over my 124, making up a list of everything that needs attention. It's an '87 wagon (124.193) with 130K miles, BTW.

Anyways, with the front suspension off the ground, there is noticeable play in the tire/wheel when you grab it at 12 o'clock and 6 'oclock positions. It has this same play both with the suspension at full extension and also when you use a floor jack to compress the lower control arm a little bit. Both sides are the same.

There is no play at all at the 9 o'clock/3 o'clock positions.

Any idea what could be causing this?

The tie rods/drag link are a few years old, everything else is factory original. The accordion boot and jounce bumper are in pretty bad shape, but the struts don't show any sign of leakage. Rubber boots on the ball joints are completely intact and in good shape.

I'm basically looking for input on what component might be causing this play, and whether it's a "need to fix" or just a "don't worry so much" kind of thing.

- JimY