Lower Control Arm Bushes

[C280/////AMG]

I bought my C280 5 years ago and it had done 150 000 kms. At this stage, my lower control arm bushes ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS were damaged. I replaced them immediately, and now only 120 000 kms later, they're both broken again!!! I queried this with my local Mercedes dealership and they said it was a "factory weakness" on all the entire w202 range. Furthermore, the car is primarily driven on the highway, i.e. no potholes! Does anyone know if this is true? Is there perhaps an aftermarket solution? (as i would like to improve steering responsiveness and steering feel while i'm about it)

[NISMOPOWERED]

Sounds normal. You can get better ones that are polyurathane thats will last longer, maybe give you a bit harser ride.

[allirroz]

Originally posted by C280/////AMG
I bought my C280 5 years ago and it had done 150 000 kms. At this stage, my lower control arm bushes ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS were damaged. I replaced them immediately, and now only 120 000 kms later, they're both broken again!!! I queried this with my local Mercedes dealership and they said it was a "factory weakness" on all the entire w202 range. Furthermore, the car is primarily driven on the highway, i.e. no potholes! Does anyone know if this is true? Is there perhaps an aftermarket solution? (as i would like to improve steering responsiveness and steering feel while i'm about it)


No harm, but lets be realistic here, after 120,000kms thats about 80 k miles - steering components do go bad ....wear and tear, just like tires. and brakes and what not.

[C280/////AMG]

yes, polyurethane bushes are the usual solution to this problem, however nobody here supplies them for a 202. does anyone know where i can get them? I must add that my father has a w126 380SE and my mother has a 380SEC, both bought new in 1982 and both still in immaculate condition and neither of them have changed control arm bushes EVER!!

[allirroz]

Originally posted by C280/////AMG
I must add that my father has a w126 380SE and my mother has a 380SEC, both bought new in 1982 and both still in immaculate condition and neither of them have changed control arm bushes EVER!!


Could it be that the w126 and the SEC is running on stock suspensions ? ...and you are rolling on Koni springs and Bilstein sports and +2 in tire size.... could it be that you are comparing apples to oranges.

[C280/////AMG]

Yes, that is a valid point. THANKS! The thing is that i've done all of these mods within the last 18 months, but i guess they must accelerate the problem.