upper control arm replacement question (w123) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

frankengrant · #1 02-17-2011, 11:47 PM

I've been reading some threads about upper and lower control arm bashing replacement and was curious why most people seem to replace the whole upper control arm instead of just the bashing like they do on the lowers? Thanks!

vstech · #2 02-18-2011, 12:02 AM

if the ball joint is bad, there is no other option. also, the upper is aluminum, and the worn bushing tends to demolish the arm socket.

Diesel911 · #3 02-18-2011, 01:52 AM

A new Lower Control Arm will cost $300 + and you would need 2. I do not know if a New Lower Control Arm may also come without the Bushings installed.

Prices have crept upwards; 3-4 years ago more people had jobs and the Upper Control Arms cost less. That and not having to develop a new skill/labor to change the UCA Bushings might have made replacing the UCA more appealing then it does now.

Last year I bought new Transmission Cooler Hoses for less than $10 each. Now the same place is selling them for $13 each.
At the new price I would consider only changing the hose with Clamps and re-using the Fittings

toomany MBZ · #4 02-18-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

if the ball joint is bad, there is no other option. also, the upper is aluminum, and the worn bushing tends to demolish the arm socket.

I agree, (upper control arm) it's difficult to get just the ball joint anyway. The new arm has a new ball joint and all new bushings too.

The lower is a different story, I had that ball joint replaced, the rest of it is fine.

vstech · #5 02-18-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

I agree, (upper control arm) it's difficult to get just the ball joint anyway. The new arm has a new ball joint and all new bushings too.

The lower is a different story, I had that ball joint replaced, the rest of it is fine.

if you meant the bushings are difficult to get, I agree, but not impossible.
the ball joint is IMPOSSIBLE to get separately.

vstech · #6 02-18-2011, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

A new Lower Control Arm will cost $300 + and you would need 2. I do not know if a New Lower Control Arm may also come without the Bushings installed.

Prices have crept upwards; 3-4 years ago more people had jobs and the Upper Control Arms cost less. That and not having to develop a new skill/labor to change the UCA Bushings might have made replacing the UCA more appealing then it does now.

Last year I bought new Transmission Cooler Hoses for less than $10 each. Now the same place is selling them for $13 each.
At the new price I would consider only changing the hose with Clamps and re-using the Fittings

Heh, I moved this topic to it's own thread!

Diesel911 · #7 02-18-2011, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

Heh, I moved this topic to it's own thread!

I did not plan on that!

newtodiesel · #8 02-18-2011, 07:41 PM

your diggin your new "powers" eh VS??

I did not understand why the whole thing needed to be replaced either, until mine was out...the ball joint goes bad..and you cant replace just that. Sure is much nicer once it is replaced

safer too!!

vstech · #9 02-18-2011, 10:54 PM

YUP! FUN! I like keeping threads tidy!
let me know if I move something or do something not wanted!

newtodiesel · #10 02-18-2011, 10:59 PM

Your doing a fine job!!! Keep up the good work!