Play in offside front track rod ball joint...

[amwebby]

... was reported on a health check from my local MB dealer. Just tonight I noticed it making a noise on hard right lock. Does £225 all in sound good or bad for this (2000 W215) and how urgent is it?

 

[grober]

It depends what they mean by track rod ball joint. Here's a diagram of the front suspension. There are several ball joints present but the main one is item 10 which is replaceable on its own I think. I'm not sure how much dismantling of the front suspension would be required to replace it ? http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.633&CT=F&cat=65N&SID=33&SGR=030&SGN=01 If on the other hand its what is known as the steering track rod end item 15 here then it seems a bit excessive? http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.633&CT=F&cat=65N&SID=46&SGR=022&SGN=01
I would get a couple more quotes from reliable independents

 

[grober]

It depends what they mean by track rod ball joint. Here's a diagram of the front suspension. There are several ball joints present but the main one is item 10 which is replaceable on its own I think. I'm not sure how much dismantling of the front suspension would be required? http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.633&CT=F&cat=65N&SID=33&SGR=030&SGN=01 If on the other hand its what is known as the steering track rod end item 15 here then it seems a bit excessive? http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.633&CT=F&cat=65N&SID=46&SGR=022&SGN=01
I would get a couple more quotes from reliable independents if you intend to replace it.

 

[amwebby]

I'm guessing it's the latter, as the noise I hear is only on full lock. It passed and MOT at the same time as this health check but I have done over 3,000 miles since then as my wife is very ill in Addenbrookes, some 75 miles away.

 

[BlackC55]

That is a lot of money for a track rod end. R&R

 

[amwebby]

They do say fitted, inclusive, so I suppose that includes retracking?

Just had a quote from an independent which came in a £196 so not that much in it.

 

[grober]

I'm guessing it's the latter, as the noise I hear is only on full lock. It passed and MOT at the same time as this health check but I have done over 3,000 miles since then as my wife is very ill in Addenbrookes, some 75 miles away.

If it passed the MOT then the wear hasn't reached a dangerous condition since badly worn track rod ends are an MOT failure item. The noise you are probably hearing is the power steering pump straining to move the steering linkage past full lock. It won't since its reached the "end stops" on the hub which prevent further movement. If you hear this you should back off the steering lock very slightly till the noise goes away. Its not good to take the steering to the limits like this since it puts a slight strain on the power steering pump and steering linkages. Ironically its often the reason why track rod ends get worn in the first place. As Olly says if its a track rod end RR it seems a bit expensive at £225.
I am sorry to hear of your wife's illness. Hope this advice has helped a bit.

 

[amwebby]

It is only on the offside on full lock, which I normally don't reach but the neighbour had parked his car in the street opposite my entrance.

I tested it on opposite lock but no noise. With all the mileage to Cambridge I've done over 3.500 in a month but I guess you'd do more than that between MOT.

Aside from the cost, my concern is that I shouldn't be without a car and am safe travelling the 75 mile journey to Addenbrookes every day.

Thanks for your kind wishes. It was a brain operation that did not go well but she is making a full recovery, it will just take time.

What is R&R?

 

[SG CL500]

I need a ball joint of some description replaced as well (excessive play) and was quoted over £400 + a further £200 alignement (maybe no needed) - so I guess the costs can vary quite a bit.

Sorry to hear about your wife, best wishes for her continuing to improve.

 

[BlackC55]

Remove and re-fit

 

[amwebby]

Drove the car today and identified the noise as something scraping on the tyre. The offside wheel arch liner was bent forward and fouling on the wheel. I had gone through a deep puddle across the road at high speed and the backwash must have bent it forward. My local dealer fixed it for £18. They also identified the track rod ball joint play on the offside. They have quoted me £219 to replace both. Tracking is another £235

 

[grober]

Glad you got the" mystery noise" cleared up. £219 for both track rod ends at mercedes rates seems about right. It is best to replace both at the same time. A good merc specialist you trust would be cheaper due to lower labour rates. Don't skimp on the parts tho get genuine Merc or Lemforder from ECP.

 

[amwebby]

So far I've been quoted £225 and £219 from two Mercedes Dealers and £196 from an independent. Not much in it really. Both the MB dealers give a discount on labour because the car is over six years old and one also gives a discount on parts.