W203 320

[irishjas]

My front end doesnt sound right when going over bumps in the road. Also when breaking at 30+ mph i get a vibration. Its just passed its mot. Any ideas

 

[MrGreedy]

On that age car, if original then all rubber bushes on the suspension will be well past their best or heading towards finished. It needs to go on a ramp with someone who knows what they are doing so they can check all suspension components and arms. Anti roll bar bushes also likely detached from the bar, but they are usually bonded to the bar so a replacement is usually a new bar from Merc.

The vibration when braking could be something else. Again, I'd at least pay a Merc independent specialist for an inspection and get a quote for what they think needs doing.

 

[m80]

I would consider removing the drop links to see if there is play.

 

[ALFAitalia]

If there was surely it would have failed the test?....drop links are a test item....

 

[m80]

If there was surely it would have failed the test?....drop links are a test item....

Absolutely, but easily missed on some cars.
They have on mine previously,
they missed it on a neighbours a couple of days before I diagnosed his rattle over humps.

I replaced them on the Viano 14K miles ago, with Lemforder. I'll wait for better weather to confirm, but it sound s like they're gone again.
I reckon only monster trucks can survive our roads these days.

 

[irishjas]

On that age car, if original then all rubber bushes on the suspension will be well past their best or heading towards finished. It needs to go on a ramp with someone who knows what they are doing so they can check all suspension components and arms. Anti roll bar bushes also likely detached from the bar, but they are usually bonded to the bar so a replacement is usually a new bar from Merc.

The vibration when braking could be something else. Again, I'd at least pay a Merc independent specialist for an inspection and get a quote for what they think needs doing.

So could be an expensive job if bar needs replacing?

 

[irishjas]

I would consider removing the drop links to see if there is play.

Mot report does say advisory on off side bush, slight play

 

[Petrol Pete]

A bit odd this , if it had 'just' had an MOT the tester would have had it on the 4 poster for a shake/wobble test which should have picked up any wear in the steering/bushing/links on the front axle.

 

[MrGreedy]

So could be an expensive job if bar needs replacing?

When I did this job DIY on the drive, you can just jack up the front a bit and put on low axle stands to take the car. It was a relatively easy job, so I'd guess a garage should be easily able to do it in an hour or two.
The anti roll bar something like 10 years ago was £50 direct from Merc, so at that time not very expensive.

Replace the drop links at same time as they are inexpensive and need to be disconnected.

 

[Petrol Pete]

The two rubber bushings the sway bar pass through are separate part numbers as are the 4 'dust caps' that are supposed to protect them . + 1 for doing fitting new drop links while you are at it.

 

[irishjas]

The two rubber bushings the sway bar pass through are separate part numbers as are the 4 'dust caps' that are supposed to protect them . + 1 for doing fitting new drop links while you are at it.

So i could just replace the bushes on the roll bar + drop links ?

 

[irishjas]

When I did this job DIY on the drive, you can just jack up the front a bit and put on low axle stands to take the car. It was a relatively easy job, so I'd guess a garage should be easily able to do it in an hour or two.
The anti roll bar something like 10 years ago was £50 direct from Merc, so at that time not very expensive.

Replace the drop links at same time as they are inexpensive and need to be disconnected.

Ive seen one on ebay with bushes for just under 100, and pair of drops for 17

 

[MrGreedy]

So i could just replace the bushes on the roll bar + drop links ?

Send your reg or VIN number to the Newcastle Mercedes Benz ebay store and ask them for a delivered price for the 3 items. That way you will have 100% the correct bits and very good quality. If you want them, they will set up a buy it now auction and send you the link.

It seems from Petrol Pete's different experience to mine, that depending on exact model or years, some ARBs have bonded bushes, and some have replaceable bushes. Both are possible.

You might be surprised at how competitive MB Newcastle prices are.

 

[irishjas]

Send your reg or VIN number to the Newcastle Mercedes Benz ebay store and ask them for a delivered price for the 3 items. That way you will have 100% the correct bits and very good quality. If you want them, they will set up a buy it now auction and send you the link.

It seems from Petrol Pete's different experience to mine, that depending on exact model or years, some ARBs have bonded bushes, and some have replaceable bushes. Both are possible.

You might be surprised at how competitive MB Newcastle prices are.

Thanks for the advice, i will have another look later

 

[Petrol Pete]

Here is what they look like , at least on C class W203. 2x No 20 and 4 x No 70.

 

[MrGreedy]

Just to confirm PP, on my w203 C320 the bushes were bonded to the bar, so there are clearly two variants, hence the recommendation to check with MB Newcastle.

Your picture also reminds me that the bolts, which might be European Torx Head, are I think aluminium and probably partially corroded into the fixing. I recommend an overnight wait after a good soaking with proper penetrating fluid, before taking it very easy getting the bolts out. Rocking the bolt looser, tighter, looser (repeat) can help crack the oxide and start the bolt coming out. If I recall, that was the most difficult bit!

 

[Petrol Pete]

Agreed , mine might be different , LOT'S of things on a 203 AMG C55 are very different from the 'lesser' versions of W203's

 

[markjay]

Replacing bushes in control arms and drop links is false economy.

Don't forget you'll have to pay more for labour due to the need to use a press.

Then, you'll have to pay for labour again when the bush/ball joint at the other end needs replacing....

Simply replacing the whole unit is much quicker, and in the long run, cheaper.

 

[markjay]

The bush with the dust caps is a hydrobush, it contains oil that can escape.

 

[markjay]

EDIT