S204: replace front suspension arms, or just the bushes?

[220estate]

Hi everyone,

My 2010 S204 will need front suspension arms replaced (hydrobushes are visibly cracked, some potholes/bumps feel very harsh).

Options are to either go for a repair kit and replace the 4 arms, or just do the hydrobushes - the second option being quite a bit cheaper. The arms, ball joints etc seem in good condition otherwise.

Does anyone actually just replace the hydrobushes? Or is the extra hassle with presses etc not worth it? Any thoughts welcome ;-)

 

[markjay]

I had the hydrobushes replaced on my W204, and in hindsight, it was a mistake, I should have replaced the entire arm. The additional labour cost for replacing the bush was almost the difference between the cost of the bush and the cost of the whole control arm. It required the use of a press, a blowtorch, and an angle grinder.... and took quite some time. It was done by Tony Bones at the time.

 

[Jobsworth]

Also the fact that the balljoints, although possibly good right now, will definitely have some wear present. You might well end up replacing the whole arm a short time later. Bush replacement alone is false economy in my book.

 

[Riva811]

Theres always the risk of suspension arms cracking. I believe the control arm is cast iron and the front arms aluminium

 

[Petrol Pete]

I have done this job twice on my S203 , The first time I had access to a full engineering workshop but still decided (both times) to replace the whole arm , so that 8 in total that I have replaced. Just changing the main bushings while still on the car is only possible with the correct press tool , without the tool the arm(s) will have to come off the car anyway .

IMHO 'The juice aint' worth the squeeze' . Just buy good quality (preferably Lemforder ( thats why I have done this job twice on my car , first time around I couldnt get hold of Lemforder in time) . Here is a video that might help.

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[220estate]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. Sounds like the sensible option is really to do the complete arms.

Although the guy in the video above makes it look super easy with his "specialty tool" ... tempting.