I had my 94 E320 in for an alignment and they indicated that the left front tie rod end was loose and it should be replaced prior to the alignment.

My question is - should I replace just the tie-rod end or does it make more sense to replace the whole tie rod assembly.

Also - if the left one is worn is there any reason not to replace the right one as well? It seems that they should wear out at approximately the same time.

FWIW - I'll be doing the replacement myself - I just can't do the alignment

Thanks

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Replace as assembly left & right also the center link,steering damper.idler arm repair kit 124-460-01-19.

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MB STARS Master Guild Technician,17 years MB tech
14 years independent shop owner

Replace everything?? Interesting...

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

I would replace everything...it really won't take you too long..

idler arm can be a bit of a PIA

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

can the idler arm bushings be replaced without the special tools in the shop manual?

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Will
94 E420
82 300DT
77 F250 4x4 429 Cobra Jet
69 Thunderbird 429 Thunder Jet
92 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

i needed one special tool.... a roto-zip with a cut-off wheel.

Like many others, I could not get the bolt out of the top... i think you would have to remove the exhaust manifold in a W124.

Anyway.... i took off the nut... pushed the bolt up a bit and cut off the head with a rotozip.

i think i then heated the old bushing...it was stuck... got the bushing out.

i then installed the new one and put the bolt in upside down... nut on top, head on bottom.

this procedure has been well documented by some of the more trusted techs on the board.

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

Ordered everything from Phil - hopefully it won't be as much of a pain as the rear differential and rear wheel bearing.

On the bright side - I am getting quite acquainted with the underside of my vehicle

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE