Front end work on 380 SL

[matt7531]

I had the front end on my 84 380 checked today - the guy says it needs new tie rod ends and new control arm bushings. Any advice on what a job like this should cost? Its the first time I used this guy and I don't want to get ripped.

[airedale]

You can check the Buy Parts link at the top of this page to get an idea of the parts cost. My excellent mechanic here is $79. per hour. The parts availability for these 107 cars is amazingly great especially in the later years.

[matt7531]

Well, I know the bushings themselves are pretty cheap, and the tie rods run about 60$ a piece, but I have no idea how much labor is involved, and I am hoping someone here can give me an idea so I know if the shop is trying to snow me.

[matt7531]

Ok, here's the guy's estimate on front end work on my 380 SL:

Lower control arm bushings, both sides: 401$

Tie rods: 197$

Drag Ling: 129$

Steering damper: 84$

Alignment 76$

Sound reasonable?

[airedale]

The only experience I have is the MB dealer here quoted me $155. for an alignment and my inde mechanic told me I could easily do the steering damper in about 10 minutes.

[halman2228]

Matt -

Steering Damper: you'll spend more time jacking the car up than you will replacing the damper. One wrench and 10 minutes; part $22 at BAP GEON on North Fwy (near Mattress Mack).

Tie rods sound a scosh high...

The other prices I can't readily comment on - possibly a little high on the control arm bushings?

Are you using Eurotechs over on 45 or who are you using?

[matt7531]

I'm using an independent shop in Houston. They are across the street from where I go to school, and they always seem busy and full, and always have a lot of 107 and vintage SLs in the shop. They are so convenient for me I thought I would give them a try. They are older mechanics for the most part. This all started when I had new tires put on a couple of days ago, and the tire shop guy said the wear on my old tires indicated the car, which has 171k, needed front end work, so I decided to take it this guy. I only spent $3,000 on the car - it runs good but it needs work, but at $3000 up front for a rust free SL I figure I can afford to put about $2500 and some work into it and have a cool car. I want to do the typical mechanical work myself and leave the stuff I don't know about to an expert, and I'm trying to figure out if these guys are alright or if they are going to rip me. If the damper is no big deal, I'll do it, but the other stuff sounds like special tools are needed.

[RickM]

Sterring damper cost me $27 and 5 minutes with a ratchet. The other jobs can be a real pain without a lift or proper tools.

[matt7531]

Didn't someone post something about a week ago saying he paid 5 grand to do similiar work to a 560SL?

[jvlata560SL]

I just finished the complete front suspension in my 560SL and I will post
later the complete job parts and labor cost. I started with the front suspension but at the end I did the rear and flex discs etc. The car feel like brand new
The ride is precise, give me any RR crosing any time! I'm extremely happy
with the result. money well invested. Now my car is abolute mint, the interior is inmaculate with a complete service records, it is very dificult to belevie that it has 112K miles.

Jorge