My indy MB mechanic, a shop specializing in MB/BMW, says I should replace the tie rod assemblies and idler arms, then do an alignment. A question or 2 (well, three actually) if I may:

1. Do the entire tie rods assemblies typically need replacing or just the ends? And then what about the center one? I forgot to ask him about that one, and want to be informed when I call to schedule the work.

2. Is the "idler arm" some kind of rebuild or replacement of a part?

3. Anything else I should do while I am doing these?

__________________
'91 560 SEL, 112K, Dallas, TX

SOLD: '90 560 SEL (Never should have sold it)

The tie rods are advisable to replace as a unit per each side. They typically need doing every 100K or so.

I have never replaced an idler arm on a Mercedes that I can remember and I have had about 30 benzes over the years, mostly with lots of miles on them.

I would ask him if my idler actually wiggles or if he is suggesting it because on most cars they wiggle at this mileage.

Tom W

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

2 reasons one replaces as whole assemblies ~~~ cost is close to buying individual tie rod ends and the time and frustration of trying to get the old ones out of the sleeve (most are really frozen in there)

center link = drag link ~~~ i'd replace that along with the steering damper if it has any age on it ~~~ pretty cheap replacement parts

idler arm normally comes as a bushing kit, cheap also

replace all that and your steering linkage should be good for another 100k

watch your quality on all these replacement parts though

__________________
1989 300ce smoke silver / brazil, in a constant state of flux ~~~

Which brand is the OEM? I have bought parts from ********az and MB Parts Warehouse, and they have a brand named Lemfoerder or something like that.

__________________
'91 560 SEL, 112K, Dallas, TX

SOLD: '90 560 SEL (Never should have sold it)