'A' class front suspension swivel bearings

[lofty]

I have recently brought to the attention of MB that the front swivel bearing on the struts of the 'A' Class has only got 16 ball bearings when in fact the cage is built/designed for 32
Their technical staff are looking into this information which includes photos however they say they cannot report back to customers with the outcome .
SO owners of 'A' Class who have suffered and will continue to suffer from steering column problems as well as broken springs Take note .
By increasing the number of ball bearings in the front swivel bearing you, one will find the steering much lighter at low speeds and the car is easier to park etc you may also reduce the torque required to turn the steering thus reducing the chances of requiring a new column and also reduce the spring damage on you front suspesion because the spring turnes as a unit rather than being coiled and uncoiled.
For more information please go to my page 26 where photos showing the finding and how in came to be discovered is available. don't wait for Mercedes to inform you the moon will drop out of the sky first!

http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/mypage.26.htm
best wishes Lofty

 

[grober]

ENGINEERS v ACCOUNTANTS

I sense the work of the " dead hand of the accountancy" here. Wouldn't have happened in the good ol days when the engineers designed the car and then the accountants worked out the cost. Glad to see your still biting their ankles Lofty. Great Site by the way.

 

[lofty]

many thanks owners of new W169 i suspect your bearings are the same, still under waranttee, stiff steering broken springs , slam it back at them and ask for complete bearings next time.
I firmly belive that this has contributed to the steering column and spring problems on the W168.
If you have information on this or have any views please lets have them
I did start a list of reasons why on one forum,
1. Economy
2. Germans short of balls? Ball bearings that is!, What do you think?.
3?