Hello everyone. I have come upon a new problem with my 1983 Mercedes 300D. When I turn the steering wheel to make a big turn, I am getting a "clunk" noise. If I turn just a little, it does not make the noise. It seems as it is just one "clunk" and then no more noises. The other day I had a flat tire and I drove the car with the flat tire for a couple of miles. When I was driving with the flat tire, there was vibration and I am wondering if this could have done something to my steering. I drove with the flat tire last Friday and the "clunk" started on Tuesday so I don't know if one thing is related to the other...any advice?

Thanks,
Adiel

Can someone help please?

Thanks,
Adiel

Do a search for guide rod / track rod mount problems.


that seems to be the one most noted for "clunk - click - pop" sounds.

ball joints can make noixe too...so can shocks, rubber bushings, ect....you are really going to have to look for the worn part.

Jake

Hello, after some thinking, I had my wife turn the steering wheel for me and I carefully looked under the car for any problems. I found this one piece where I think the noise is coming from. Can anyone help me identify the name of this bushing or seal? Once I replace this one, should I replace the rest of the ones around this one? What else should I replace once I am doing this job?

Thanks again,
Adiel

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thats a inner tie rod...

for the cost i would change all the tie rods and drag link because you are going to be pulling out that side anyway...and its a good shot that they are all about equally worn being sealed units.

you are going to have the front end tore apart...i would change all i could, its a easy job minus the torsion/sway bar bushings....can you compess the spring SAFELY? and remove it?

do you want to do that much work????

Jake

Thanks Jake, yes if I am going to dissamble this, I am going to change every rubber piece that needs to be changed. I have already ordered the left, right and center tie rods. I am going to start making a list of all I have and once I have saved enough money and purchased all the parts, then I will start the work and possibly take it to my mechanic to do the part that involves the spring. Anyone has a list of all the rubber components/other parts of the front suspension I should change?

Thanks,
Adiel

ps: I could not find the part number for the drag link on fastlane for an '83 300d do you know where to get that?

just a question and not to insult you

but do you have the front end tools to break everything loose...pullers, press ect...

spring compressor is a BIG one - and a big debate...my dad made me one when i lowered my car, its an offset american claw type that splits in two to get in the coils that uses a large steel plate formed to the spring and has a inner keeper wall welded to it to keep it in the spring...a different plate front and rear.


you will need them
Jake

I rented the compressor from Performance Products last Fall. It cost $85 and about a $550 deposit. Not cheap, but probobly less than paying a mechanic. Don't trust those Autozone compressors with your life!

All in all, rebuilding your front end is definitely a DIY job. There's quite a bit of grunt work but it's not too technical. I just took my steering knuckes to a mechanic and he removed the old ball joints and pressed new ones in for $20 and about 15 minutes of work.

Go for it and good luck!