front suspension overhaul

[audiophile]

im about to purchase new front susp. components and i need a list on what to get. i want to get a firm ride, but not harsh (im thinking clk quality), prolly drop in some h&r springs too. any advice and please feel free to add to the list below
thanks

lca bushings
center link
tie rod ends?
ball joints
sway bar bushings
steering damper

[benzboy]

If you get a new centre link it comes with the tie rod ends also

[anf6789]

shocks, springs

[audiophile]

well the shocks were replaced not too long ago, but im going to try to get some new ones.
what about the ride, has anyone replaced these things and not been happy with certain things, or what should i look for.
by the way all of these things will be placed with oem stuff except the springs

[RemoLexi]

with LCA bushings i would reccomend the polyurathane ones, if not then order a set of the W208 ones - they directly fit.

next, check these parts on your car if you need them,

Drag link (from one tie rod to the opposite)
balljoints
steering shock (I never felt the differnce with a new one or without one at all)
your swaybar bushings should be fine, but maybe upgrade to H&R or Eibach sways ?

check your shocks.

also - upgrade brakes ?

[audiophile]

i've tried to pull up the w208 lca's but the same part# comes up. ive heard there little diff from 202 ones but they fit. anybody have part# for these

[RemoLexi]

I dont have a P/n but if you look at the 202 bushings they are not solid filled - the 208 bushings are solid w/fluid inside i believe.

[xvvvz]

Can someone please explain the benefits of the w208 bushings? Being solid, do they last longer? Or do they last the same but provide a stiffer ride? Or do they maybe actually last the same or less due to fluid leakage after time (like the motor mounts)?

[audiophile]

ive been searching but i cant find anyone that has poly bushings for sale.

[ja2k]

Originally posted by audiophile
ive been searching but i cant find anyone that has poly bushings for sale.

I bought my bushings from lpdautoparts. Heres a link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-C-Class-CLK-lower-control-arm-bushing-w202-208_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33583QQihZ023QQitem Z360064046427QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

He is also a member of the board so you can pm him if you wish. :)

[RemoLexi]

w208 bushings are stiffer. CLK's have stiffer/tighter/sportier suspension.

208 bushings will last longer being stiffer and hrder material. also if you have bigger heavier wheels that put strain on the bushings its good to switch to either 208 bushings or my favorite polyurathane ones from LPD auto.

[audiophile]

im assuming that any w208 front bushing will fit, upper and lower?

[RemoLexi]

no, Lower control arm bushing!

[audiophile]

sorry to be redundent, but just the lcas from the 208 will fit right?

[RemoLexi]

yea. there may be more other parts that fit but thats all you really need.

the 208 sway bar fits too . .. i had one in my car.

[audiophile]

i called the stealer today and gave them both vin #'s one from my 202 and the other from a 208, and they couldnt give part#'s because both cars require replacement control arms and i couldnt get just the bushings!!!
WTF!!!
does anybody have the part # to those bushings? im about to order them as soon as i get those #'s please :confused:

[Proven Guilty]

http://www.alleuropeanautoparts.com

i ALWAYS buy ALL my mercedes parts from these guys. they are absolutely A+ with every transaction, and they have pictures of actual products. they sell the W202 and W208 LCA bushings, and if you wanted to go one step further, you can order the entire control arms.

edit: forgot to mention, orders over $75 are free ground shipping, and they're from nevada, so unless you live there; free of sales tax as well. ;)

[RemoLexi]

there are places that tell you to replace the damn control arm when you dont need to.

be advised, you will need a special press to get the new bushings pressed in without damaging them. the old ones can be pressed out OR I hack-sawed mine out.

if you purchase polyurathane bushings - those pop right in with soapy water by smacking them agianst the pavement (it worksss!!)

[griplimited]

This bushing replacement. Is this the same replacement bushing piece as the K-MAC camber correction one? Just curious if you can only have one or the other.