Hey Guys,
I've only had my 83 300D turbo for about two weeks. I notice that it was creaking on the drivers side front tire any time I went over any kind of bump on the road. Last night I took a look and the lower ball joint rubber is broken so I figure I need to change out the ball joint. Would a bad ball joint make that kind of noise. I am going to change out both sides just because I am sure the other side is in no better condition. I've done a search and got alot of info on the ball joint replacement but should I change anything else while at there?? Should I change out the tie rod ends? The steering is not bad but it does take some a couple of inches of turning of the steering wheel to get the car to turn. One last thing, do I have to mess with the sping to change out the ball joint?
Ok, thanks.
rene

Hello Rene
1983 300D turbo.
Creaking on the drivers side front tire any time I went over any kind of bump on the road.
Looked at the lower ball joint, rubber boot is broken, need to change the ball joint.

YES...
RE: Would a bad ball joint make that kind of noise.

YES...
Change both sides upper and lower.

Yes..
Check tie rod ends, replace as needed, check idler arm (should have no movement), check rag joint between bulkhead and gearbox.

The steering is bad!!!
A couple of inches of turning on the steering wheel to get the car to turn, that is very bad.

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Hi Whunter,
thanks for the reply. The idler arm, is that the arm that goes from the steering box to the tie rods?
rene

Idler arm is on opposite side of car as steering box. Look for a fairly vertical large bolt with nut on bottom. Bolt attaches idler arm and holds rubber bushings in place. When the bushings fail there will be play in the idler arm. And slop in the steering. Steering slop is also caused by worn or improperly adjusted wheel bearings.

It would be advisable to change out the lower control arm bushings with out replacing the lower control arm? The LCA is pretty pricey at $250 dollars. Do they were that much?
Thanks.
rene

The lower control should never wear out. It should not need replacement unless it has been damaged, such as in an accident. The lower ball joint is installed in the LCA. If you replace the ball joint, and maybe the LCA bushings and guide joint bushings, you will have taken care of the wear items associated with the LCA.

We just replaced the center link, R & L tie rod arms and steering damper. Had the parts for the idler arm but the bushings were very good so left that alone. After getting the car aligned, it handles like it used to. What a difference!

If you're working in this area, I'd suggest you consider some early replacements to get your steering back to normal. Your car should steer almost like you're thinking, not with play/steering lag of even 1 inch in the wheel. It should be crisp and very decisive.

ps: we have 281K on our 300 D Turbo.

Hal