Ordered Upper Control Arms - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ara T. · #16 12-17-2006, 06:52 AM

So it seems then I just need an alignment. To be honest I just don't want to look like a total idiot who shouldn't be working on his Mercedes to the alignment mechanic

It's only 4 here. I think im about ready to hit the hay.

redassag00 · #17 12-17-2006, 08:51 AM

Make sure they have the correct spreader bar.

Ara T. · #18 12-19-2006, 04:41 PM

Just an update. Took the car in to get an alignment. They told me the lower control arm bushings are shot (which I already knew) which means the camber is kind of off. The toe is fixed though and the car drives a lot better. With the new control arms the ride is a lot quieter and nicer. My left front toe was at 3/4" and my right front was at 1"!

Here is my computer readout (front end only):

Left Camber = .31. Right Camber = .61 (spec is -0.33 to +0.17 degrees)

Left Caster = 8.92. Right Caster = 9.77

Toe is set at 1/16" on both sides

I noticed these cars run a lot of caster... also you can see the camber is off. Does this mean now instead of having the inside edges of my tires wearing out, I'll have the outside edges wearing out now?

Anyways, the lower control arm bushings are next on my list.

Phil · #19 12-19-2006, 06:04 PM

Hey Ara I'm going to need an alignment soon, where did you go and if you don't mind how much $? I have just started looking around the area for a good place to have it done.

Hit Man X · #20 12-19-2006, 06:05 PM

Told ya

How much did you shell out for the alignment? And where did ya get it done at?

Ara T. · #21 12-19-2006, 06:54 PM

Phil, I started my search for an alignment shop at Autokraft on Yolanda Avenue. He then referred me to United Auto Works (or something like that), which is on Petaluma Hill Road I believe. It is right in front of Lola's Market. I don't think there was a specific Mercedes "alignment master" but the mechanic I got knew his stuff. Cost 50 bucks and took under a half hour.

Hit Man X · #22 12-19-2006, 07:03 PM

So your LCA issue was somewhat helped with the alignment?

Ara T. · #23 12-19-2006, 07:17 PM

Well my negative camber problem is solved, I dont think I'll be wearing out the inside edge of the tire anymore. But the bushings are still shot on the LCAs. The balljoints and LCAs themselves are still tight though so I don't really need to rush to spend $500 or so getting the bushings on the LCAs taken out (not a job i want to tackle myself).

Hit Man X · #24 12-19-2006, 07:20 PM

Cool, I may go ahead and throw one on my SDL here until I finish amassing all the parts for the suspension.

Ara T. · #25 12-19-2006, 07:51 PM

You might as well, if they're as cheap as they are on a W123. My balljoint would have been totally shot in 6 months so I figured it'd be a good place to start. Easy to do and cheap.

arcticathlon · #26 12-19-2006, 08:17 PM

i dont want to steal the thread, but i am looking at doing a Front end rebuild. everything except for the tierods (already changed) needs to be replaced. i would like to do as much myself as i can, but i am still a learning mechanic. i dont have any super special tools, and no air tools either. I HAVE replaced my rear axles, motor mounts, love doing valve adjustments, and smalller jobs. so i am not a total newb.

i know that the lower control arms will need to be done at a good shop or dealer, so in what order can i replace stuff then slowly drive it to the dealer to have them do the lower arms and align the car? also what parts do i order. if you guys can help me out that would be great. i would buy as much as i can from phil.

ohh ya, will get bilstein's comforts and new springs (from the group buy via this forum)

Hit Man X · #27 12-19-2006, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcticathlon

i dont want to steal the thread, but i am looking at doing a Front end rebuild. everything except for the tierods (already changed) needs to be replaced. i would like to do as much myself as i can, but i am still a learning mechanic. i dont have any super special tools, and no air tools either. I HAVE replaced my rear axles, motor mounts, love doing valve adjustments, and smalller jobs. so i am not a total newb.

i know that the lower control arms will need to be done at a good shop or dealer, so in what order can i replace stuff then slowly drive it to the dealer to have them do the lower arms and align the car? also what parts do i order. if you guys can help me out that would be great. i would buy as much as i can from phil.

ohh ya, will get bilstein's comforts and new springs (from the group buy via this forum)

1. Buy some air tools. These will save LOTS of time in the long run.

2. You will need the MB spring compressor.

arcticathlon · #28 12-19-2006, 09:30 PM

i will let the shop do the springs also. i am lacking the expensive tools, as i am a recent college grad that lived in a small apartment. in march i will rent a house, and my job will allow me the liberty to stock my garage with tools. that will probably be the timeframe that i will be doing the rebuild. i will also repaint it, i am racking my brain what color to paint it.

another question, are ball joints hard to replace?

Hit Man X · #29 12-19-2006, 09:31 PM

I'd keep it same color, it's near impossible to totally repaint to a different color well.

arcticathlon · #30 12-19-2006, 10:00 PM

it does not have its original color on it currently, cough. Previous owner had it repainted by, cough, macco or something. then the left driver and passenger door must have been scratched, as the color does not match the rest of the car. the original color was a dark blue, and i have been thinking of black. i think the black and chrome would be an amazing combo.

from the russian vin site:

Paint
199 metallic blue-black (с 01.01.1983)
57 Unknown code