98'C280:Tie rod bushings, where are they?
 

I saw these for sale in "buy Parts" but could not locate on the steering system where these are located.

Tie rod bushings? I worked on that part of car but I don't remember any bushings. Do you think you need some?

Mike

The car has some play in the steering and the car will drift left or right (seems as if the right wheel can turn slightly relative to the left wheel (so more toe in or more toe out). I carefully inspected the tie rod ends, the tie rod joints where the tie rod attaches to the center tie rod, the joints where the tie rod attaches to the idler arm and steering arm, and I couldn't feel any play (with a helper turning the steering wheel back and forth, there is a click sound however and I can see the slight play, but cannot pin point it to any one spot by sight). However, when I grab the idler arm and push-pull hard, there is some movement up and down but I do not feel any side to side (I suspect it could be the idler arm bushing or the inner tie rod joint near the idler arm, but I'm not completely sure). Looking at the parts availale in the 'buy parts', I noticed the tie rod bushings, and so wonder if perhaps the ones on my car are worn, yet I don't know where they would be.

I think it may be best to simply buy the tie rod assembly complete and idler arm bushing kit to cover all the bases.

I am guessing you have the same problem I had. Jack up one front wheel and grab the wheel at 9 and 3 O'clock and push back and forth gently. See if there is some play. If so look at the inner tie rod joint about a foot from the end. This is where mine was worn. You have to replace the entire assembly which is known by any of 3 names: Center link, Drag link, Tie rod assembly. I also needed a steering damper but that does not cause the play. My idler arm was fine.

Mike

Don't forget the steering box assy. Mine was replaced under CPO warranty, along with the tie rod, at 70k/8years for the same issue. Felt like a new car.

Also, replace your control arm bushings while you're under there, if they are original. Mine, along with the CAs themselves were also done under warranty. Your car will feel totally new and different with all these common 202 wear points addressed