W123 Front end parts list - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

harrycarry250 · #1 09-08-2014, 06:33 PM

Hello all! Can you help me out and take a look at this screen shot and tell me if I got all the parts for my front end rebuild.

Do note the parts that have a zero next to zero meaning they are not on order.

Thanks!

uberwasser · #2 09-08-2014, 07:08 PM

There is also a rubber bushings set where the guide rod connects to the control arm on each side, sometimes referred to as the lower outer control arm bushings or guide rod to control arm bushing.

2 x # 1233301475

There are also bushings on the front sway bar where it connects to the body. Two of them.

2 x # 1233230585

And bushings where the sway bar passes through the upper control arm, four of them.

2 x # 1163334014

Any plans to install new shocks? New spring pads?

By the way, your lower control arm bushings (# 1233301375) are too cheap to be good

I know that Lemforder doesn't provide an aftermarket alternative. And the Genuine article are very expensive.

However, there is an alternative. You can install the lower control arm bushings normally used on W126 vehicles. Mercedes installed them on "harsh duty" W123's (I presume this means things like police models, limos, taxis?). The other upside is they install without needing to flare the center tube (which is something that, if it goes wrong, necessitates another part order).

The part number for the W126 lower control arm bushings is 1263300075 Lemforder provides these still, at a reasonable price.

harrycarry250 · #3 09-08-2014, 07:14 PM

Wow thanks for the info!!! Much appreciated man!

Yeah the lower bushings are cheap URO parts and I tried my darndest to keep away from them. So I will go for the nicer Lemforder parts.

Thanks!

Quahog · #4 09-08-2014, 07:16 PM

fresh shocks @ all 4 corners make hella difference in handling. Sachs/boge are least expensive quality & do the job nicely. Easy to do the fronts while you are in there, can remove entire spindle assembly to get better swinging room when pounding out the ball joints.

motor & trans mounts, while not part of front-end rebuild will not significantly add to the cost. worth replacing if unsure of when last changed out

harrycarry250 · #5 09-08-2014, 07:21 PM

Ok thanks for the heads up on mounts. I have changed the front shocks and rear accumulators(wagon). I am trying to do big prep work on my car before this winter hits up here in NYC, I want it to be tip top since last winter was rough. Doing valves, injectors, and front end.

leathermang · #6 09-08-2014, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberwasser

Mercedes installed them on "harsh duty" W123's (I presume this means things like police models, limos, taxis?).......

They are referring to countries with really bad roads... like third world roads.... they talk about it in the springs section of the FSM...

uberwasser · #7 09-08-2014, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

They are referring to countries with really bad roads... like third world roads.... they talk about it in the springs section of the FSM...

Sounds like Tucson, AZ. I'll plan to install them for sure, then

Quahog · #8 09-08-2014, 07:25 PM

snow tires

I swear by 'em, cheaper than my deductable

leathermang · #9 09-08-2014, 07:28 PM

in Tucson... don't you need ' water wings' tonight ?

uberwasser · #10 09-08-2014, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

in Tucson... don't you need ' water wings' tonight ?

We aren't quite as bad off as Phoenix

Definitely wet out there though. Which means the roads will be even worse. The monsoon season is rough, and makes some nasty potholes.

harrycarry250 · #11 09-08-2014, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

They are referring to countries with really bad roads... like third world roads.... they talk about it in the springs section of the FSM...

I went ahead and got those mounts... Will that affect my ride for any reason?

Marshall Welch · #12 09-09-2014, 12:41 AM

I had this done a couple of years ago- the mechanic removed the front end from the car and did most of the re-build on a bench. My rationale was that the labor was the most expensive part, and it might as well be done right the first time.

In addition to the ball joints/control arms, steering damper, etc. mentioned above, I had just about all of the items below done. Sorry for listing items already on your list, and/or mentioned above, but I think it's better to be redundant than omit something important.

New Bilstein shocks.

New tie rods.

New brake calipers, and rotors+pads- all were needed in my case.
Rotors, even genuine MB, are relatively inexpensive.
An argument can be made for getting new, not rebuilt, calipers, if the existing calipers are due for replacement. Reliable sources say the rebuilds don't last very long.

Check and re-pack, or replace, wheel bearings. If new rotors are going on, I think the wheel bearings need to be re-packed anyhow.

Brake hoses- at least check them. See separate threads strongly advising checking these regularly, and replacing periodically. I've read here that Pex is a good brand, and they're not expensive.

If doing brake work, flush brake fluid.

As already mentioned, idler arm repair; mine had already been done recently.

And when it's all back together, a front end alignment, ASAP.

sleepstar · #13 09-09-2014, 02:08 AM

front sway bar bushings... part # 1233230585

cooljjay · #14 09-09-2014, 02:40 AM

Any 30 year old rubber on that car, is better then anything being popped out of the press today, don't replace anything on that front end unless it totally needs it....