I've got a 1987 300D with 328Kmi. The front lower control arms were last replaced at 250Kmi. I wear out Michelin MXV4's in about 25Kmi before they don't do well in the rain. Roads where I drive are curvy and hilly and I don't drive like grandpa.

How long should the front lower control arms on the car last? If they getting worn, could it explain what I feel is unusual sensitivity to wind gusts?

I don't believe I have alignment problems, it was last done at the dealer and set at recommended specs. MXV4's feather a little on the outer edge, but I think that may be because of how I drive around the curves.

Thanks,

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Brian Toscano

The 124 body is not known for having problems with control arm bushings as are the 140 and 210 cars. The amount of caster that is built into the MB front end will tend to feather tires in the front due to cornering, even with the thing aligned properly.

I usually find wandering due to stiff ball joints or idler arm bushings in the front and too much toe in the rear. Poor shocks will contribute.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Brian

I found that running the 300E with tire pressures cold of at least 32 PSI helped with the outside edges of the front tires and feathering.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Steve,

If the rubber in the rear tie rods is soft, could it be causing dynamic alignment problems going down the road that wouldn't normally show up on the dealers alignment rack? The rear tie rods were done at 200Kmi and for the first 60Kmi I believe they were installed incorrectly. Wheels were hanging when the tie rods were changed.

AT 260Kmi I rebuilt the rear axle complete (subframe off the car) and tightenend everything with the rear axles horizontal. Ride height is now at the factory specs.

Thanks,

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Brian Toscano