81 240D. 382000 miles on mostly original suspension parts. Including shocks I think. My car's so full of squeaks, rattles, clunks, bangs, scrapes, grinding, bumps etc that I'm pretty sure given it's age an mileage that every piece of rubber in it is due for replacement. I have a fairly comprehensive service record for it and nowhere is any suspension related work mentioned so I'm pretty sure I should be doing all of that. My question for suspension guru's is what is the easiest suspension related thing to do on these that a complete novice would be able to tackle on their own?

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Tie rod ends and drag links are easy. Upper control arms are almost as easy. Lower ball joints are a little more difficult; you really need a Mercedes press to do the job right. ( I took my knuckles to the dealer and go the new ball joints pressed in for $20, but I was quoted $125 by one shop.)
Undoubtedly, scores of shade tree mechanics who do not understand ball joint construction will come forward and insist that it is acceptable to use a standard balll joint press on a Mercedes. Don't believe them.
NAPA sells a lever-type ball joint separator that also works on tie rod ends. Best $17.49 I have spent in long time.

Your rubber suspension bushing you should be able to replace yourself. the upper ones are fairly easy, but the lower ones are a little harder because of the spring holding so much tension against your lower wishbone. Shock should be pretty straight forward and this is where I would start. Worn out shocks are the biggest problem in a high mileage suspension system, especially if it sqeals and rattles. A really good site to look at your parts and see what they look li8ke is auto parts warehouse at www.***********************. If you don't have a service manual, get one first. I feel Haynes is one of the better ones for being readily available. Good luck, I had to change ALL the rubber suspension components on my 1983 E300D and it was not as hard as I thought. However I was an troubleshooting enginerr with the Chrysler Corporation for 16 years, but you should be fine.

Thank's for the input guys. I do have a Haynes and will probably start with the shocks.

- Peter

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S