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#1
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alignment - first replace idler arm bushing?
Car is a 1999 clk 320; steering assembly/drag link (one piece includes both tie rods and center drag link) was replaced about 5 years ago with oem part; idler arm has never been serviced. Just got new tires because old ones were badly worn on inside and outside edges. Took the car to dealer for alignment. Wife was told first to replace steering links (drag link assembly & idler arm bushing), steering shock, and stabilizer bar bushings, for total of $1250. Wow!! Got a second opinion today from the indie I use - he said to replace only the steering assembly and steering shock. From my search, a worn idler arm bushing contributes to uneven tire wear. Should I have the idler arm bushing replaced as preventive maintenance? Is the idler bushing job easier or less expensive if the drag link is done at the same time? Thanks.
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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit) 88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit) 93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top) 93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top) 98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles) 99 clk320 (black/grey/black top) |
#2
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If the idler arm bushings are worn, you will have toe-in (out) changes.
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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES) ASE Master Technician Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times) 44 years foreign automotive repair 27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer) MB technical information Specialist (15 years) 190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold) 1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold) Retired Moderator |
#3
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It's not only easier to replace at the same time as the rest of the work is being done, but it avoids the cost of a second alignment.
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1988 California version 260E (W124) Anthracite Grey/Palomino Owned since new and still going strong and smooth MBCA member Past Mercedes-Benz: 1986 190E Baby Benz 1967 230 Inherited from mom when she downsized 1959 220S Introduced me to the joys of keepin' 'em goin' There are only 10 kinds of people in the world--those who understand binary and those who don't |
#4
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Good news, and I have my fingers crossed the idler arm stays put. Alignment shop said that with the new steering linkage everything else was nice and tight, and he aligned the car to eliminate the toe-in excess.
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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit) 88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit) 93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top) 93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top) 98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles) 99 clk320 (black/grey/black top) |
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