Upex
Active Member
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2012
- Messages
- 79
- Location
- Norwich, UK
- Car
- 2001 s320 cdi w220 & 1998 slk 230 komp r170
Hi all,
The wife's slk flagged up bearing play at mot. I replaced both front hubs and set to 0.01 - 0.02mm of float with dial gauge.
However I don't think the garage diagnosed correctly, as with new hubs, if I grab the wheels at 3 and 9 o'clock there is play (pulling one hand in and the other out - twisting as if turning the steering).
The lower arm and ball joint towards the rear of the car has some movement in it if I pull and push the metal rod In and out (at 90deg to the direction the car points) but not sure what part it is / it's called.
I think this maybe the drag link, or centre link, or steering rack?
How do I check if it's the ball joints on the ends of the rack itself, as I don't trust the garage to check it as they quoted me £600 for the front bearings and I really don't think they were needed.
Symptoms are poor handling, vague loose feel, a tad squirmish and needs constant input to hold a straight line.
As said, I've done both front hubs (and bearings of course), New front tyres (that did help make it better, but still not right), new rear tyres to, and I've just ordered a steering damper so will fit that soon to. Car is fast approaching 160,000 miles.
Any help would be great,
Cheers, Upex
The wife's slk flagged up bearing play at mot. I replaced both front hubs and set to 0.01 - 0.02mm of float with dial gauge.
However I don't think the garage diagnosed correctly, as with new hubs, if I grab the wheels at 3 and 9 o'clock there is play (pulling one hand in and the other out - twisting as if turning the steering).
The lower arm and ball joint towards the rear of the car has some movement in it if I pull and push the metal rod In and out (at 90deg to the direction the car points) but not sure what part it is / it's called.
I think this maybe the drag link, or centre link, or steering rack?
How do I check if it's the ball joints on the ends of the rack itself, as I don't trust the garage to check it as they quoted me £600 for the front bearings and I really don't think they were needed.
Symptoms are poor handling, vague loose feel, a tad squirmish and needs constant input to hold a straight line.
As said, I've done both front hubs (and bearings of course), New front tyres (that did help make it better, but still not right), new rear tyres to, and I've just ordered a steering damper so will fit that soon to. Car is fast approaching 160,000 miles.
Any help would be great,
Cheers, Upex
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