The dealership said

[Benz916]

The dealership said I need to get these 2 replaced so I bought both of them. The Tie rod assembly looks real easy to install. How is the bushing kit? Are they common parts that go out at 65k on a 1998 c230?

1703300075-M69 $49.00 1 $49.00
Bushing Kit - Mercedes Benz - Brand: Lemfoerder

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2024600405-M240 $123.50 1 $123.50
Tie Rod Assembly - Mercedes Benz - Brand: Ocap

[dc36]

i would say control arm bushings are pretty common on 202's. i did mine last year. on my 95 c36 it had about 59k on it at the time

[strictlyspeakin]

I just did my whole front end. (94 c220 135K) So these two items are still fresh in my mind.

Tie rod ends are pretty simple.

Removing the control arm wasn't too bad, but the bushings were a real pain to change. I had to bring them over a friends shop to get them out. Could not do it by myself :( Beat on them just to make myself feel better though.

[Benz916]

for the bushing kit....do I need to press them in?

[strictlyspeakin]

Yes.
A LARGE vise, lubricating fluid and something like a large socket or the old bushing to press against the new one. Well that's the idea anyway.
Front bushings were easier than the rears on the front lower control arm.

[Benz916]

I seen a press kit at harbor freight tools...thinking about picking that one up...are there any press kits that you recommend?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335

[strictlyspeakin]

That wouldn't help you install/remove the control arm bushings.
I don't think it would work for the tie rod ends either :(


Take a look at the rear bushing. It's a cylinder about as big as your fist. So you're going to need something with an opening that is at least twice as wide as that.

The MB recommended tie rod end/ball joint puller looks something like this item # on eBay: 330012620800. That one is too small, but you get the idea. I believe that you can stick with the fork type for removal. Sure it'll destroy the ones you are taking out, but you're replacing them anyway. Then use the nut to tighten the new ones back in place.

I used a MB type tool, but IMO found it unnecessary.

[irieite]

The contol arm bushing are not a good DIY job to try and undertake. I'd recommend buying new control arms with the bushings already installed.

As for the tie rod/drag link assy, that should be cake, but you will need an alignment after install of this item and the control arms.

[irieite]

If you do decide to undertake the task of replacing your lower control arm bushings, you might wanna consider using these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=130012391665&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Would make the job worth your while and also make for crisper handling. :)

[Benz916]

I would have gotten those, but I already picked up the bushing kit. Only if I would have posted a few weeks back before i got the bushing kit. Thanks for the help.

The tie rod assembly will be cake. I just might have the dealership or private take care of the rest.

How much you think they would charge to install the bushing kit?

[irieite]

Originally posted by Benz916
How much you think they would charge to install the bushing kit?

I've seen various quotes posted anywhere from $300-$500, plus the mandatory alignment.

[Benz916]

ouch...i was thinking a 2-300 hundred.

[irieite]

Originally posted by Benz916
ouch...i was thinking a 2-300 hundred.

That price range I mentioned may seem high, but it is about what you'll pay if you want it done right at a reputable shop.

It is also why I try and do all the repairs I can myself and only take it to the dealership or indy for things like warranty, 4-wheel alignments or other things where the cost of the specialized equipment needed outweighs the cost of the repair job at the shop.

[Benz916]

so i decided changing the lower control arm bushings wasn't for me and I got a couple of quotes. 450 from dealer....400 from indenpendent mercedes shop. That hurts, but I guess i gott shell out the cash.