201 chassis problems (various)

[Piotr]

I'll try to be brief:
1) car is smooth up to 80mph. that's where really strong vibrations start (worse at 85 mph). Flex Disc(s)? I DID eliminate tires as a possible culprit.

2) all of a sudden the steering has to be turned 1" clockwise for the car to go straight (no pulling though...)

3) at the time 2) has happened, I begun to hear that awfull squeak from the rear suspension (bushings?)

4) probably need rear shocks because after replacing fronts car sits 2" higher up front and handles very "skittish".

5) have about 1" free play on the steering wheel

6) Mechanic said there is nothing wrong the suspension (including rear shocks)

[Robby Ackerman]

Piotr

1) I'd check the flex disk. It is not difficult to replace if that is the problem. Then I'd go back to the tires. You say they are balanced properly. I've had tires when cold they would be fine, when hot they were out-of-round due to ply separation. Also check that the wheel bearings are tight. Jack the car up, grab each tire top and bottom and see if there is any play.

2) I'd check the front ball joints, though that doesn't jive with the rear squeak.

3) well let me go on to 4

4) Bad rear shocks can make the car feel like it wants to swap ends in hard turns on rough surfaces. Two inches is a hugh amount, and the mechanic said the rear shocks are okay. Was the car level before you did the front shocks? If it was the shocks may be improperly installed or the wrong shocks. Do you have the self leveling rear suspension or aftermarket springs with perch kits? The car is skittish. Are all the tires the same brand and size? This car should hold the road like glue.

5) Goto #1.

[Piotr]

Thanx, Robby;


1) How do I check the flex disc?? I did move the drive shaft today and I was able to jiggle, wiggle, and move it, but no more than a 1/4 " I'm not sure if that's normal.

2) a certified MB mech checked the ball joints in April- in fact he checked the whole front suspension. He said it's a little loose, but not enough to replace anything.

3)Well, the squeak turned out to be ... the left rear spring. Does that mean I need new mounts?

4)all of the reasons listed do not apply, although I do have Yoks Avid T4 in the rear and Dunlop SP Sport A2's up front. I do believe the rear shocks are shot though. Not badly, but enough.


5) ?? I disagree. I think maybe it's the rear suspension (bushing?)

6) a new question. should the rod connecting the shifter have 2 bushings? I have one at the shifter, but nothing on the other (tranni) end of the connecting rod.

7) stupid question, but why would a new (remanned) AC compressor sweat oil? It cools fine...

Thanx!!

[Robby Ackerman]

1) If you can jiggle, wiggle and move the drive shaft 1/4" where it attaches to the flex disk something is wrong. It should be tight with no play. Visually inspect the flex disk and look for any cracks or chunks of rubber missing from it. If externally it looks okay and you have play, the bolts may be worn where they go through the the bores of the flex disk. Read my post in today's thread on the subject of replacing the flex disk on a 300E.

3) I don't know about your mounts. I've had rear springs squeak and a little WD-40 corrected the noise.

4) Mixing tire brands front & rear will in most cases give you skittish handling. For street use I'd never mix tire models within the same manufacturer let alone mix brands. If you can swap four wheels from one of your other cars or borrow four wheels from a fellow benz0phile this is easy to check out.

5) Steering free play is not related to rear suspension problems. It could be one item in the front end or just the combined wear in all the components that make up the steering assembly.

6) I don't remember how my 190E shifter is bushed. But all my other cars have a nylon bushing on the end connecting to the tranny. If there is play at the connection, it would seem likely that a bushing may go there. Did you get a picture parts book with your car? If so check and see what and where the bushings are.

7) I'm not an AC pro, but sweating oil would indicate a leak somewhere.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Cheers,

Robby

[Robby Ackerman]

One other question re the vibration at 80 mph. How are your brake rotors? Do you get any pulsing when you apply the brakes?

Robby

[Piotr]

Thanx, Robby. Yes, I saw a picture and apparently I need a bushing. No idea how to get to it without a major tranni dismantling.

I did read a post about 80-85 shimmy (from yesterday). It could be rotors, but no other indication of rotor problems.

Yes, WD-40 fixed the squeak in the spring, but is it normal????

I'm due for a 155K maintenance (i.e. 30K check up), so I'll mention the flex disc to the mech, but they supposed to check it anyway.

I know about tire brands mixing, but had no problems before.

l was afraid that the steering wheel freeplay may be due to the worn gearbox.

The leak from the AC would infuriate me after spending $700 on parts, replacement, and conversion. I'll call the place I've got it from

Thanx for your help!!!!