Rear suspension - identify this part
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Banned
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,073
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From: North San diego
C320 2002
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Living in California you don't have a clue what rust is or what normal aging is like. Most suspension components are not heavily rust proofed, coated or protected and will develop a light layer of surface rust/oxidation. This does not affect the integrity of the components whatsoever and is quite normal
His failure of the tie rod is caused by a crack or abnormal failure of the component as it is quite hardy and not a stamped piece of steel but rather a solid component that is casted.
His failure of the tie rod is caused by a crack or abnormal failure of the component as it is quite hardy and not a stamped piece of steel but rather a solid component that is casted.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 573
Likes: 1
W203
Living in California you don't have a clue what rust is or what normal aging is like. Most suspension components are not heavily rust proofed, coated or protected and will develop a light layer of surface rust/oxidation. This does not affect the integrity of the components whatsoever and is quite normal
His failure of the tie rod is caused by a crack or abnormal failure of the component as it is quite hardy and not a stamped piece of steel but rather a solid component that is casted.
His failure of the tie rod is caused by a crack or abnormal failure of the component as it is quite hardy and not a stamped piece of steel but rather a solid component that is casted.
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 97
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2006 SLK280
A few people have made mention of the "cheap components" used on the suspension of the W203. I have just replace most of my suspension and did not find the parts cheap by any means. I replaced the upper and lower control arms, tie rod ends, and brakes. I was run off the road, over a curb which messed up the lower control arm on one side. I figured while I was working on the car, I might as well replace the tie rod ends and upper arms. Cheap insurance as the parts were not too expensive.
Everything seemed fairly well made and the arms were no worse than any other car I have worked on.
Everything seemed fairly well made and the arms were no worse than any other car I have worked on.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
I think that the general parts are well made or the engineering intent is there as they are solid cast parts and not the typical stamped steel parts. I think the problem lies in the fittings on the ends are not durable or well made as I have had to replace (under warranty) almost every part on the front as the the bushings, ball joints and attachments wear much quicker than any car I have had (except my TR6 where I have had to change bushings and trunions on a regular basis) and resulted in a clunky and noisy front suspension. The sway bar (anti-roll bar) linkages wear out just by looking at them.
When the front end is tight, the precision of the steering and control of the car is second to none and you don't have to correct and re-correct your steering to keep the car straight
When the front end is tight, the precision of the steering and control of the car is second to none and you don't have to correct and re-correct your steering to keep the car straight
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 52
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From: Stockton, CA
2002 C230, 6 Speed, Bose Stereo, 6 CD Changer
I"m getting a lot of suspension squeaking from the left rear. Sounds like an old car squeaking when the left rear suspension moves up and down. Has anyone else experienced this symptom/fixed this squeaking noise? I've noticed it is intermittent. It's rather loud when the window is down, less noticeable with the window up. Can't hear it at all when the stereo is playing. Thanks in advance for any help. FYI this California '02 C230 hatch/coupe has 239,000 miles and I'm the original owner.
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