Tie rod/center link nightmare - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jbaj007 · #16 02-19-2004, 12:21 PM

"Then I enlarged each hole about 1/32" with the Dremel to avoid this condition in the future. "

I hope that we're not talking about the tapered seats on the Pittman arm (two seats), the idler arm (two seats) and the steering arms (on ea. hub). (you mentioned six bolts)

If so, I think you might want to evaluate them for replacement as well, since the new center link and tie rods may not seat in the "modified" tapers correctly.

tvpierce · #17 02-19-2004, 01:58 PM

Impact wrenches are great -- I've got one. But the problem is that there only seems to be room for the tool when you don’t need it. The other problem with them is the lack of torque. Mine is rated for 550 ft/lbs (which is higher than most 1/2" drive impacts) and there are a lot of suspension parts that it won't loosen. An 18" breaker bar and a 3' piece of pipe work easily on fasteners that my impact wrench won't budge.

The two most useful tools for suspension/steering work are a breaker bar, and a propane torch. The torch is $20 at any hardware store. I can't understand how anyone works on cars without heat. It will save you so much time and aggravation.

Jeff Pierce

zla39fj · #18 02-20-2004, 12:04 AM

As anyone that has read any of my previous posts can plainly see, I am not a mechanic. I am learning however. For example: the tie rod nightmare that started this thread has taught me to not buy MB parts from ebay, not to modify crucial components, the proper tool for removing a tie rod, there is an '86 420 SEL in my local junkyard, post on the forum first then proceed, Parts Shop rocks and that doing this job twice still costs less than 50% of what the shops around here quoted. The tranny leak bugs me and I am going to fix it even if it takes months. I have had many great victories in the past several years that I have owned this car. At the rate that I am going by the time my boys start driving it will have been rebuilt by me several times

#19 02-20-2004, 07:49 AM

zla39fj,

Don't worry about not being a mechanic and making mistakes. I have spent very little of my life as a professional mechanic and that experience was over 30 years ago.

I have, however, done at least 98% of all the work done on my own cars. Consdering that between my family and myself, we probably average 100,000 miles of driving per year, that's a lot of wrenching. That means I'm saving a lot of money.

I have done plenty of things like you did and had to correct them along the way. From that you get the job done, you learn, you accumulate tools and equipment and get better at it as well as more confident.

Hang in there with that great DIY attitude, take your licks when you have to and know that you don't have to worry about dropping a bundle of money at the dealership and still get just as frustrated when THEY screw something up.

Good luck,

dmorrison · #20 02-20-2004, 10:38 AM

If your a new DIY. May I suggest a few books to buy. they will help you obtain the knowledge that you need to work on the car.

First I would suggest a Haynes manual. They do not make a manual for your body style but they do have manuals for the area you may be working on. go to the Technical manuals.

http://www.haynes.com/na.html

Also consider the Servie Manual for your car. Its a few $$ but is applies to your specific vehicle.

To advance your knowledge consider a SAE certification book. I have Modern Automotive Technology be Duffy. About $80 but it covers all aspects of automotive repair for SAE certification.

Use this Forum. If you have any questions ASK.

Do searches. This will provide a tremendous amount of info for you.

Dave