I replaced both of my tie rods 5 years ago. One failed inspection and I had to replace it. If does not make sense to me that I would have one that would go bad. Does anyone have an explanation?

Sure. In the past 5 years it went bad.

Lots of things could go wrong in 5 years: the boot was torn, you hit a rock and bent it, the inspector screwed up, it wasn't installed correctly in the first place, somebody swiped your good one in the middle of the night and swapped in a bad one.

Without a pic of the failed unit, a description of the failure mode, or something more about the bad part anything on here will be speculation. Help us help you. Was it a bad ball joint? Rust? An alignment issue? How many miles? What type of inspection?

Don't get me wrong, the forum is a really knowledgeable group and can help keep your car running very well. I've got an '83 300CD myself.

There are a few current threads about suspension, steering and tie rods on the W123 in general and the CD specifically.

Welcome.

Things do not always wear at the same rate even though they were made in the same factory.
Things like bumping into the Curb and the like shorten the life of steering parts.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

That comment about stealing it does not seem reasonable at first.
But, reminds me of a story.
My Father worked at Douglas Aircraft and that place had a Parking Lot as big as an Air Port.
While walking through the lot Father found a Guy revving his Engine for all it was worth.
My Father ask what was wrong and was told that the Car would not move.
In the process of trying to help the Guy then ended up looking under His Car and found that some one had taken his Drive Shaft.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

You're right. The part about someone replacing it with a bad one probably is less reasonable.

I hope I didn't scare <> off with a little sarcasm on <> first post.

Possibly inferior aftemarket parts. Try a better type of aftermarket brand or the originals.

Thank you for the answers. I am picking up the bad part next week from my mechanic so that I can determine the manufacturer to be sure not to use their products. (my mechanic did not put the tie rods on the car) I figure after market inferior parts too. I am a girl and we tend to be taken advantage of. I maintain my cars and don't want the other tie rod to fail. This is a wonderful auto and plan to start a restoration this year beginning with the interior. But it must be in good working order. Will figure out the miles and post it tomorrow. Thanks again.

Welcome to the forum!
click the buy parts link at the top of each page and look up the various manufacturers of parts for your car we sell. then call Roy and ask his opinion of the best (O.E.) part out there.
enjoy your car, and feel free to post any and all questions about your car. we're a helpful bunch, and we love to help ALL mb owners, not just men! (there are quite a few female members on here, some of whom even do their own MAJOR repairs on their cars!)

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

X2
Welcome to the forum!!
You may have already noticed that we are a friendly group & are very passionate about our cars. That said, regardless of who you are, there will always be plenty of sound advice on any question you may have about your car.
It may have just been the rubber boot on it that failed & then water & dirt got in, the rest is history.
It would be a good idea to put a little information in your signature so people know what part of the country you are from. Members are often willing to provide some advice about repair shops etc local to them.
Good luck with your car!!

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

Yes, welcome to the forum. we hope to see you around here for a long time. during the summer months some of the guys put together a Get Together (GTG). this is a fun time to meet other members and their cars. then a drive and finally FOOD time at a park (BBQ) or restaurant.

As mentioned, there are a few Ladies on the forum, and some really put a lot of the guys to shame with their mechanical abilities.

The failure of a suspention part just happens sometimes. I replaced the whole front suspention on my old Datsun PU 3 1/2 yrs ago, and have one of the lower Ball joint boots torn open. the tie rods were replaced on one of the MB we have, and the boots are cracked already.

I don`t know if it this cheap chinese junk being imported or what. the boots should last a long time if made from good rubber.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works