Replacing control arm - will I need tracking done after ?

[VenomX]

Will be replacing one of the control arms on the W203 ( C240 2002 ) as it is down to metal on the bushing.
Is it likely I will need the tracking done after, or will I have to wait and see ? I don't think the tracking has ever been done on the car ( 36k miles on the clock )

Also. Haynes says to torque the bolt which goes into the subframe 80Nm plus 120degrees. I would probably find it difficult doing the 120degrees accurately ( I do have torque wrenches so that's not an issue )

Any advice ?
This is the arm I will be doing...

 

[ALFAitalia]

Yes. Especially as that one looks to have an adjustable angle bushing...hence the egg shaped and not round hole.

 

[W1ghty]

Will be replacing one of the control arms on the W203 ( C240 2002 ) as it is down to metal on the bushing.
Is it likely I will need the tracking done after, or will I have to wait and see ? I don't think the tracking has ever been done on the car ( 36k miles on the clock )

Also. Haynes says to torque the bolt which goes into the subframe 80Nm plus 120degrees. I would probably find it difficult doing the 120degrees accurately ( I do have torque wrenches so that's not an issue )

Any advice ?
This is the arm I will be doing...
View attachment 166010

For the 120 degrees , mark using coloured pencil (wax type) on the nut and alongside it so you can see your progress

 

[markjay]

Yes, absolutely the tracking will need doing.

You may also need to fit fluted bolts to adjust the camber (if not already fitted).

And although Schaeffler FAG is a decent brand (and Tier-1 automotive supplier), my advise is that you do not buy anything else other than genuine MB or Lemforder.

 

[markjay]

Also, replace both control arms - the hydrobushes will have leaked and perished on the other side as well, even if it's not knocking metal-on-metal yet.

And the rubber boots covering the ball joints will soon be cracked which is a potential MOT fail.

Not related to the control arm, but while you're under the car check also the drop links, their ball joints' boots often perish as well, and, again, it's a potential MOT fail.

 

[VenomX]

Thanks a lot guys appreciate it. Once I do the job I will get tracking checked. Will any place do? Or should I take it to a Merc independent ( they have a "John Beam" machine there ) But they are more expensive.
FYI: I have done the struts at the front, along with drop links so they are all sorted and I'm fairly familiar with the setup

How come you have to do the 120degrees? Is this to reduce it's impact on the tracking ?

 

[markjay]

Whether you need to take the car to an MB specialist for the tracking is debatable. In my view, any place that has a Hunter machine and a skilled operator, will do.

 

[MSG2004]

Whether you need to take the car to an MB specialist for the tracking is debatable. In my view, any place that has a Hunter machine and a skilled operator, will do.

Agreed. I had my steering rack/bolts done/changed under a recall. I emphasised that I'd had the car from new low miles careful driver and car drove 100% straight MB assured me before and when I picked up the car it had been "through rigorous checks.." I drove the car out and felt it was not right but put it down to my parnaioa. I even took it to a car park on a very flat surface and I drove it again next day but it definitely pulled slightly into the centre of the road. I rang MB - jokers gave me an appt for 4 weeks down the road we agreed at 2 weeks. (gle)

When I took the car back and waited in their then new showroom, it was a coincident that on the tv screen, an hour after arriving a guy was doing my car. Thankfully, this time they did it properly

Years ago I used Kiwkfit on my then c class - they had a Hunter machine and did a good job

So if they have a Hunter machine and a half-decent operator, you should be ok

 

[toteimerced]

I’m going to replace all four when I do mine, they’re all the same age, so might as well do them all in one go.