Control Arm Bushings - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

krodkey · #1 07-18-2007, 09:47 AM

I have a 91 190e. It has developed a vibration from approx 40-70mph. The vibration gets much worse while light to moderate braking. During heavy braking the vibration will stop(most of the time). I have rotated and changed the tires without much luck. Most suspension components have been checked replaced. The vehicle has been aligned, but the vibration is still there and the inside of the front left tire wears dramatically faster than the any of the other 3. The only thing I can think of that has not been replaced are the front control arm bushings. Could these cause this type of vibration and wear?

david s poole · #2 07-18-2007, 09:51 AM

yes,if you will jack up front of car and use a big screwdriver in beside the rear one of the two lower control arm bushings you will see a lot of movement.this actually allows the wheel to move back in the wheel well with a loss of alignment.

krodkey · #3 07-18-2007, 09:55 AM

I tried to pry them around a little, but maybe I was too gentle. The bushings do appear to be dried out, which is why I am suspecting them as the culprit. Any suggestions on the type to use: urethane vs. oem replacement.

G-Benz · #4 07-18-2007, 10:11 AM

I suffered though the vibration for years and did the usual, alignment, tire rotation, balancing, etc. Even went as far as faulting the wheels and replacing the set!

My indie didn't find any free play in my front suspension, but discovered that the idler arm was bad. That was a $50 part, and the vibration vanished completely!

Not to discourage you from replacing the control arm bushings, as they are probably overdue for replacement.

krodkey · #5 07-18-2007, 11:50 AM

Can the Idler arm bushings cause tire wear on the driver's side as well as the vibration?

david s poole · #6 07-18-2007, 12:02 PM

bad idler arm bushings will cause free play in the steering and if you lay under car while someone moves the steering wheel around centre you will be able to see the idler arm move up and down.

krodkey · #7 07-18-2007, 12:10 PM

I have not paid that close of attention to the setup of the steering components under the car. Will idler arm play allow for the tires to move independently of each other? The reason I ask is that after alignment I still have tire wear on the inside of the drivers side front tire.

sbourg · #8 07-18-2007, 12:25 PM

Due to road camber, the toe-out condition resulting from a worn idler would tend to cause a drift to the right (in the USA, anyway, no pun intended). This would require a compensating steer to the left, scrubbing the inside of the driver's side tire. Worn idler bushings could also cause vibration, and most noticeably - road wander and imprecise steering.

Steve