Dat Carguy

So today I went to get my car an alignment! an hour later I think everything is going good until the mechanic comes out and tells me he can't do it because my front Lower control arm bushings are on the way out and should be replaced. Until then he can't align the car properly. I've done some research already on this subject and most people say when this issue surfaces they start to hear a "squeaking" when going over bumps and when turning the wheel neither of which I've heard at all yet. when I asked how urgent it was he said it probably does not need to be replaced for about another 6 months but it should be replaced. Naturally they gave me an estimate for the job (passenger and driver side) to replace the whole control arm not just the bushing according to them after labor it would be cheaper to replace the whole unit then replacing just the bushings. Final quote: $902.66 (parts: $500) (labor 3 hours: $402.66)

Then I brought it to my usual repair shop their quote:
$627 (parts: $330) (labor idk hours: $297)
Both shops gave me the same part numbers

Does anyone have any advice or experience with this problem?
any information at all is appreciated!

StarvingArtist

Look on pelican parts for prices. There are control arms and thrust arms. The thrust arms are aluminum with the ball joint built in. I only get about 30k out of those ball joints. There is also a ball joint on top that is good for about 50k on Maine roads. They are maybe $50 each, and you can put one in in ten minutes. Don't even have to take the wheel off. If you don't want to do it yourself, choose your mechanic wisely. The best is often cheapest in the long run.

I put K-mac bushings in mine because I could only get 10k out of my tires. Now I'm getting close to 40k. (I drive a lot).

Dat Carguy

I looked on the k-Mac website and I could not find any Bearings or lower control arms for any W219 (I would guess that AMG control arms are different from a 500)

http://www.k-mac.com

K-Mac

Currently updating website which should be complete next week!

Meantime if you click on above “Vendor Directory” (K-MAC Engineering) our current complete 2016 catalog can be accessed!

W219 (ALL INCLUDING AMG):

Front (the 4 main suspension bushings) 2 inner control arm (precisely Camber adjustable) and the thrust arms to chassis bushes (precisely Caster adjustable).

These front bushes are the highest wearing bushes. K-MAC replacements are designed with twice the load bearing area and are “2 axis/self aligning” without the use of OEM oil and air voids. This allows improved traction under braking and steering response (most aftermarket bushes only delete the air voids – which can prevent arms travelling through these required suspension arcs causing binging/locking up and undue harshness).

Kit comes with bush extraction and insertion tubes and instructions.

Part number 502216 $480

ALSO REAR KIT MANUFACTURED – providing Camber adjustment for the first time. Like the front kit, the unique patented design is single wrench, precisely adjustable (under load – direct on alignment rack).

Rear Toe adjuster also included – which doubles the existing Toe adjustment range. Necessary to compensate for the new Camber facility. Kit comes with bush extraction tool so Camber kit can be installed on vehicle.

Part number 502526K $480

MB World members (US/Canada) delivery $30 one kit or $40 front and rear kits.

Can pay by PayPal or call our toll free number 1888 414 0762 to quote Visa or MasterCard.

Dat Carguy

[QUOTE
Kit comes with bush extraction and insertion tubes and instructions.

Part number 502216 $480
QUOTE]

K-Mac do you offer front lower control arms assembly's? I decided in going to replace the whole unit not just the bushings.

PelicanParts.com

You can check out control arms for your AMG here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg2.htm#item5

Let me know if you have any questions.

K-Mac

No not control arms.

We specialise in manufacturing uprated suspension bushings and at same time including capability of precise Camber and Caster adjustment. As majority of today’s vehicles only have (OEM) Toe adjustment. Virtually every make Audi to Volvo.

Dat Carguy

Yeah I've decided to just replace it with an OEM Mercedes unit because I'm not doing the work myself and it would not make sense to pay the extra money and replace only the bearings.

Thank you for responding to my post it really really appreciate and I defiantly think we will be doing some business together in the future near or far.

romeomikehotel

Just so you know, you can get replacement control arms with new bushings for $50-$100/pair on eBay. I replaced mine a while back and it was dirt cheap. You can also do it yourself with little to zero experience. It's literally 3 bolts per side.