Ribo89

Hi,

My mechanic says this part on the LEFT side of the car(see picture) needs to be replaced. Can someone tell me which DORMAN part is this on this website. Lemfoerder is OEM right?

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...ntrol_arm.html



Thank,
-riBO

samaritrey

I had this go out on my car it was so annoying. When I would hit the brake the left front wheel felt like the caliper would lock up and make a nice clunk. The first time it happened I thought the wheel was going to fall off. It is the Lower Control Arm I would replace both sides but thats just me I know some will say if only one is bad then just do that but I would rather have both replaced and not have to worry about it. Did you notice anything or did the mechanic just find it also how many miles?

Ribo89

34K miles. I don't notice anything lol...that's why I'm going to get a second opinion. I know its the "Lower Control Arm", but which one on that website-there is a "Control Arm - Front Left Lower Front" or "Control Arm - Front Left Lower Rear"

ggms16

Go with Meyle HD... They are indestructible.

samaritrey

What year is your car and model?

Ribo89

01 C320 and I think the part is "Dorman Control Arm - Front Left Lower Front"

samaritrey

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-1587...2520Suspension

I think This is the one 6342-05170518 but not 100% sure since the label is wrong. but the construction and angles look right.

ggms16

A2043301911 For the left arm
A2043302011 for the right arm..
Hope this helps

Ribo89

ggms16 that does help, THANKS.
samaritrey: I'm not sure if its "6342-05170518" or "6342-05170516"

samaritrey

Well when you get the wrong part let me know


BTW the picture is backwards for 518 look at 519 they are the same picture. Also look at they way all the control arms are made there are two types. One in black with weld marks one without. The one that is black and weld marks is the lower one, the one without is upper. In this case at least obviously other brands might be different but for all theses and RMEUROPEAN they are like that even on your car.

splinter

Clean C32 setup you’ve there.
Conscientious enthusiasts typically refrain from installing off-Broadway hardware.

DORMAN’s parts don’t come close to Moog’s quality and tolerances for my GMC’s replacements.
Why would your mechanic specify cheap DORMAN parts for use even in a throwaway Mercedes-Benz?

Germany’s trusted OE-supplier Lemförder goodies on mine:

Ribo89

splinter: I stole your picture b/c it was the BEST 1 I could find, THANKS.
samaritrey: I will call DORMAN and ask them lol, but now I think you are right its DORMAN Part # 520955 and 6342-05170518

splinter

No worries.

Buy the best hardware you can afford in order to avoid having to do the same job more than once. Don't ask how I know. :y

samaritrey

+1 it was a $200 mistake for the parts alone don't get me started on the labor on top of that

I thought that looked like a nice c320 I just thought you had put tons of money into your car and had lost your marbles when it came to replacing the part. I was actually about to say why not call them up and see but I do agree with splinter there were are few of us that made the mistake of going cheap on this part and the upper one (i only have done lowers) that had to replace the part in like 5-10k miles and the labor alone plus redoing alignment is just a pain and makes it more expensive in the end.

Ribo89

Thanks guys.

Conclusion: I should buy "Lemfoerder Control Arm - Front Left Lower" Part Number: W0133-1795512

Ribo89

How hard is this to do by myself? Any fancy tools needed?

splinter

It’s not hard. No fancy tools required save for a de rigueur BFH.
The lower ball joint can be removed with a single deft swing on an appropriate punch.
Note removing the MacPherson strut from the steering knuckle (upright) facilitates proper access.

***** of it is all four ball joints and their respective arms’ inner bushings tend to fail concurrently.
Loaned out my puller to members on several occasions. Always found its way back home. Let me know if you’d like to borrow it.

Longitudinal arm shown:

Ribo89

samaritrey: I did and I'm spending a lot of money on this car($1000's). I guess I got a bad one b/c everything seems like its falling apart. Its a shame the car has only 34K miles. But, I'll but the "Lemfoerder Control Arm - Front Left Lower" b/c its only about $20 more than the Dorman one.

splinter: Thanks, but I'll just take it to the pro's to do it. I think the total will be $150 or so including the part that I buy.

SADLY, I'm fed up with this car and MB. After this repair its going FOR SALE. I'm thinking about getting a G35 Coupe next.

samaritrey

Do you happen to know your build date? That does suck though I know to have a car that always has issues we all have gone through it at some point. That is amazing that the car only has 34k on it wow I can do that in less than two years easy. Well good luck with this hopefully the g35 is better to you.

Ribo89

No clue on the built date...I'll take a look. This company is giving me a 3yr warranty on the Control Arm and Lemfoerder only 1yr and Lemfoerder costs twice as much. Any opinions on this?
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...n+%26+Steering

samaritrey

That is up to you I would rather have the OES part vs a random company part made who knows where.

Ribo89

I ordered the Lemfoerder Control Arm for $85 after a few discounts-not a bad deal.