ball joints or track rod end?

[phil martin]

Hi Folks,
I have a 1996 c180, and the front end feels as if it is skiting all over the road and when goin over a bump i can hear a bit of knock coming from the front end!!
Would this be a ball joint or a track rod end? The drag link control arm was replaced last year on it and i have 105k on her.

thanks for your help guys

 

[mattc]

have the ARB's been changed since new? that would be the first thing to look at

 

[phil martin]

could quite possibly be the originals on her!! i will check em out, and thanks for the prompt reply.

 

[mattc]

look in the "favourites" section of the forum and you will find Sticky at teh top with a link to a russian site that has (most) of the EPC on it. this should allow you to find the relevant section for steering and get the required part numbers

matt

 

[BlackC55]

Check the springs and lower arm bushes too.

 

[Dieselman]

If the knock is only present on poor surfaces but not when going over speed humps suspect the anti roll bar links. You can test this by rocking the car violently side to side.

To check track rod ends have an assistant rock the steering quickly from side to side whilst you either look or place a hand over the joint. Play should be obvious.

Bottom ball joints can be checked by jacking the car body up so the wheel hangs then try to lift the wheel.

 

[kth286]

Quite likely one of the wishbone bushes getting siezed up and putting more wear on the other one, which becomes slack.

Therefore when slack it causes the knocking you hear over bumps and also alters the geometry to a variable extent when driving, hence the skittish feeling as it's constantly altering when it follows the road surface.

Two bushes hold each lower wishbone on the car, and some sort of power saw or cutter wheel often has to be used to get the siezed wishbone bush and bolt off. The bush and bolt weld themselves together.

You need a Merc specialist and it may be more economical to replace the whole wishbone rather than replace individual bushes which is time consuming.

 

[phil martin]

Thanks guys

Washed the car and put it thru MOT (the Northen Ireland mot is a bit scary) passed with no probs..guess i should leave her in now before me knockin gets any worse!!
So a big thanks to all of you who took the time to give me advice..your knowledge is invaluable!!

I work in the oil industry...so if one of your oilrigs breaks down....dont be afraid to ask.lol (sorry its the best i can offer) .

once again thanks guys