W124 front end LCA's and Tie Rods replacement

[ps2cho]

Wanted to start my progress thread here:
1988 300TE 129k.

I have a popping noise during weight transfer to the front right side. Not sure where it is coming from, but the boots in my tie rods and ball joints are cracked, so going to start there regardless to avoid future catastrophies. have a popping noise during weight transfer to the FL or FR side. Not sure where it is coming from, but the boots in my tie rods and ball joints are cracked, so going to start there regardless to avoid future catastrophies.

Hard decision between sticking Genuine MB, or Lemfoerder...Decided with Lemfoerder since they are OE anyway. After receiving them, the MB part #'s are even stamped on the bushings themselves.

I am using the later model LCA's with the integrated ball joints since this allows for the use of the upgraded 4 pot calipers since there is more clearance. The prior lower control arms have the removable ball joints, but they stick out further which puts the larger calipers within only a few millimeters of touching (probably fine, but peace of mind would be going with the factory engineering design process -- they didn't do it for NO REASON!!!).

While in there, I am also replacing the Strut Mounts and putting new Strut bump stops on too. Last year I replaced the idler arm and sway bar bushings and checked the sway bar brackets since I know the popping can be commonly from that area.





All in all:
2 Tie Rods
1 Drag Link
2 Lower Control Arms
2 Bump stops
2 Strut Mounts.

Tomorrow will be a busy day!
Further photo's to be provided