$900 to repair leaking front left control arm bushing?
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Joined: Aug 2012
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C230 (W203) 2002
$900 to repair leaking front left control arm bushing?
2002 C230K 80K miles
I just got a $900 estimate to resolve a front left control arm bushing leaking.
The shop suggested that I:
- replace both left & right front control arms, entirely, and as a pair
Does that seem overkill?
The only decrease in drive quality I've noticed is a slight recirculating shimmy/vibration in the steering wheel similar to unbalanced front wheels, at around 60mph, but goes away above 70mph and below 50mph.
I thought this was a wheel-balancing issue so I paid them to check that, and came up with nothing, shimmy is still there. When I inquired, they said it's a symptom of the bushings leaking/failing.
Do you guys agree with that assessment?
Thanks a bunch!
I just got a $900 estimate to resolve a front left control arm bushing leaking.
The shop suggested that I:
- replace both left & right front control arms, entirely, and as a pair
Does that seem overkill?
The only decrease in drive quality I've noticed is a slight recirculating shimmy/vibration in the steering wheel similar to unbalanced front wheels, at around 60mph, but goes away above 70mph and below 50mph.
I thought this was a wheel-balancing issue so I paid them to check that, and came up with nothing, shimmy is still there. When I inquired, they said it's a symptom of the bushings leaking/failing.
Do you guys agree with that assessment?
Thanks a bunch!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
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C230 (W203) 2002
Thanks Glyn
I've had this issue previously and have had bushings replaced. But, never thought the arms themselves would need replacing.
Thanks for the input.
How much labor would be involved in replacing just bushings. 1 hour? 2?
Thanks for the input.
How much labor would be involved in replacing just bushings. 1 hour? 2?
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
They can be replaced on the car. Just press out old & press in new. 1.5 hour job max at an Indy. Replace with W204 bushes. They last longer.
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From: Richmond California
2021 GLC300 4Matic
do you happen to have a part number that will work with our w203's I have a 2003 c240 that will need those parts replaced instead of the whole arm. I also had another question for you - the sway bar end links on the 2003 c240 are in need of replacement, whats the difference with the ones from a 2005/2007 c230? sorry for somewhat hijacking the thread.
thanks,
Harold
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MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 19
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
The arms needs to be replaced IF the ball-joint is in really bad condition. If your car has high mileage, you might as well replace them anyway.
The oem Lemfolder arms are around $200 apiece. Oe replacement Karlyn(sp?) are around $135 apiece online. You can get them from Rmeuropean. There are two upper and two lower arms (4 total), so if the place that quote you $900 is replacing four arms i guess it is not far off if they charge you retail parts.
Typically, the ball-joint on the steering tie-rod is first to go before the ones on the arms will break.
The oem Lemfolder arms are around $200 apiece. Oe replacement Karlyn(sp?) are around $135 apiece online. You can get them from Rmeuropean. There are two upper and two lower arms (4 total), so if the place that quote you $900 is replacing four arms i guess it is not far off if they charge you retail parts.
Typically, the ball-joint on the steering tie-rod is first to go before the ones on the arms will break.
Last edited by FrankW; Aug 9, 2012 at 05:25 AM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Glyn,
do you happen to have a part number that will work with our w203's I have a 2003 c240 that will need those parts replaced instead of the whole arm. I also had another question for you - the sway bar end links on the 2003 c240 are in need of replacement, whats the difference with the ones from a 2005/2007 c230? sorry for somewhat hijacking the thread.
thanks,
Harold
do you happen to have a part number that will work with our w203's I have a 2003 c240 that will need those parts replaced instead of the whole arm. I also had another question for you - the sway bar end links on the 2003 c240 are in need of replacement, whats the difference with the ones from a 2005/2007 c230? sorry for somewhat hijacking the thread.
thanks,
Harold
The front you will need 203-320-28-89 (10mm end link)
Some 05+ sport sedan has the 12mm end link which is the same as the c32/55. All 240 only uses the 10mm.
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C230 (W203) 2002
Thanks for additional detail FrankW. It puts things into perspective.
Mileage is low 60K miles (I misreported in my original post). But, the ball joint on the left arm may be in relatively poor condition. I often heard creaking from the left wheel well while turning extreme left, until the last service where the shop took care of that. I'm assuming they simply applied more grease to the bushing to clear that up.
Thanks again.
Mileage is low 60K miles (I misreported in my original post). But, the ball joint on the left arm may be in relatively poor condition. I often heard creaking from the left wheel well while turning extreme left, until the last service where the shop took care of that. I'm assuming they simply applied more grease to the bushing to clear that up.
Thanks again.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
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C230 (W203) 2002
Ah, makes sense. I've had sway bar bushings replaced for creaking noises before. I asked about this during last checkup to investigate. They eliminated the creaking and didn't mention or charge for what they actually did.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
AMG sways are all 12mm. if your koni has the 12mm holes on it. than of course order the 12mm end link. shimming the endlink to make sure there is a secure fit is too much of a hassle.
if that's the case you need 29-89 instead of 28-89.
if that's the case you need 29-89 instead of 28-89.
