I've got this shake in the FE I'm trying to get rid of. I've had the shimmy around 50mph for a long time, only remedy was to get the tires re-balanced and it helped until after sometime it returned and I went back to get re-balanced. Recently had the tires balance on the Hunter Load balancing machine and took a trip to Florida. On the way back it started shaking again and now I can feel it @ low speed shaking the wheel when applying the brakes. I recently replaced the front rotors and pads and don't feel the Zimmerman rotors could be warped.

Anywho I need to replace the right side inner tie rod arm as it is slightly bent which doesn't appear to be a heavy task. The outers were already replaced. Anyone get involved in the lower control arms bushing replacement? I think as long as I can remove lower arms and drop them off @ the indy to replace the bushings alone. I'm looking @ purchasing an internal spring compressor to remove the springs as I have the E55 units to install anyway. Any tips or trips someone can relay? Maybe sizes of the sockets for the lower arm bolts

Thanks ya'll...

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#dieselFLEET
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'97 E300
'99 E300

Here is the link. Thanks to Bodgit2

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=157445

Hope this helps. Not all the answers you were looking for. I too have similiar shimmy at the 55mph and was thinking of just changing the bushings only, vs. the whole control arm.

Keep us posted.

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raMBow

1999 E300DT Obsydian Black Metallic, Heated Full Leather Parchment options, E2, K2, 136,000+, best 36.5 mpg - GP's 12-04 & 11-12 Zero Stuck
2010 Honda Odyssey - The BrideMobile - best 26.5
(2) 2005 Honday Accord- (1 -Corporate 1 - Personal) - 110,000 4-cyl 30mpg
2000 VW Golf GLS TDI, Upsolute Chip (sold to Brother, now 300+k on it) 48.5 mpg like clock work
1987 Honda CRX HF - Sold 87,000 always over 50 mpg Max 67 mpg

Thank You... That is an excellent thread!

I think I'm gonna end up ordering some complete new arms. Once I get into the job I'll report back...

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#dieselFLEET
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'97 E300
'99 E300

Any progress to report so far?

I'll be doing the same very soon and would like to keep this thread open during your swap as well as mine. I need some advice before I get started:

1. What kind of spring compressor is needed (if any)? I doubt Autozone or VIP will have a Klann-type spring compressor to rent - can I get away something like this? I understand that safety is a concern when compressing coil springs so I want something study and safe but not necessarily something the pros would use.

2. What is the risk of damaging the lower ball joint? Should I go ahead and order new ones just in case and hold on to them for a later date if the current ones can be reused?

As a side note: I am buying entirely new control arms with heavy duty bushing already pressed into them so I don't have to worry about damaging the current ones or changing the bushings while the vehicle is still up on jack stands. I bought 2 new ones on eBay here. Mine cost $165 for each side although it looks like the seller increased his price overnight to $208.

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Scott C.

2006 E320 CDI (120k miles)
FOR SALE: 1998 E300 Turbo Diesel - Black w/Tan Leather - Euro delivery (236k miles)

I'll post a link later tonight to a spring compressor that I was directed to on eBay by another forum member. It's sold by ZDMak tools and goes for $279.99 on eBay.

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#dieselFLEET
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'97 E300
'99 E300

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=180021624209&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

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#dieselFLEET
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'97 E300
'99 E300