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The control arm bushings fail gradually. Ask any W12x owner the difference they felt when they replaced their "ok looking" control arm bushings.
Cracking means they're hardened, compressed, and at the end of their useful life. Rubber ages in addition to wear. When the control arm bushings wear out or sag, the suspension geometry is all affected. Under the weight of the car and acceleration/braking forces, the control arm is free to move fore and aft to much more degree than it is with good or new bushings.
A reputable shop won't perform an alignment on a car with visually worn suspension/steering components. It's a liability for them if something goes wrong.
If you want to kick the can down the road for a while, find a chain alignment shop like a Firestone, they'll align anything whether or not it's worth your money or their time. Just keep in the back of your mind that you should budget for control arm bushings in your future.
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Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)
Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)
Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]
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