Finally got around to installing my new steering shock and Idler arm repair kit.

Shock was totally uneventfull.

Idler arm kit was a little more interesting. Getting the old bushings out was a PITA. Getting the new ones in was also a pain. Other than that tho, it went well.

My question tho is, what exactly should I be noticing in the steering now that I've replaced these items?

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Chris
1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)
2018 Honda Civic Sport
2018 Honda CRV LX
2010 Honda Fit Sport (RIP)
2013 Honda Accord Sport (Sold)
1996 Lexus LS400 (Retired)
1995 Ford Contour SE (Retired)
1976 Porsche 914 (Sold)
1972 Datsun 240Z (RIP)

Hard to describe. The steering shock (damper or dampener) gives the steering wheel a firmer feel, I guess is one way to describe it. If it's worn out, the steering wheel seems to turn "too easy" somehow, the damper definitely give the steering a better feel.
Gilly

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I just replaced the exact same components on my 85 300SD. Although my steering shock was completely shot, I can't tell any difference in how the car steers. The idler arm kit was another story. My car had a noticeable pull to the left after new parts were installed. I took it to my dealer (unfortunately) and had them do an alignment. Now the car is dead straight on the highway in the center or right lanes but has a slight fade to the left in the left lane as though it is sensitive to the crown in the road. Super straight around town. PS. My dealer told me to free up all the control cams and tie rod ends or he would charge me extra!!! Bottom line is: now that you have nice front end parts, its time to invest in an alignment. Dealer Only please. The 19 year old down the street at the Goodyear place wouldn't know a thing about aligning a 126 chassis. Pss. Be sure to fill up the tank with fuel before the alignment.

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Orland Park, IL
1985 300SD 215,000 miles

Bill,

thnx for the reply. As for the alignment, it was just done about 2k mi. ago by Donnie and one of the other techs at MB AutoWerks.
I did a quick test drive up and down the block and everything seems ok...no pulling. This wasn't really enough to be able to tell if there's any difference yet though. The real test will be when the wife drives it again (her car) and is able to sense any differences.

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Chris
1985 300SD - 'Grace' (198K mi.)
2018 Honda Civic Sport
2018 Honda CRV LX
2010 Honda Fit Sport (RIP)
2013 Honda Accord Sport (Sold)
1996 Lexus LS400 (Retired)
1995 Ford Contour SE (Retired)
1976 Porsche 914 (Sold)
1972 Datsun 240Z (RIP)

Even though it feels OK, better to be safe than sorry. If out of allignment, these cars chew thru tires like locusts in a wheatfield.

JCD