deckard1

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!

Glyn M Ruck

Just replace both bushes. They are about $20 each ~ what a rip off!

deckard1

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?

Glyn M Ruck

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.

sammydragon3

u can replace both control arms for around 500.. 200 in parts 200 in labor...alignment

Glyn M Ruck

Only replace control arms if ball joints are shot or you are wasting good money.

hcoronado

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

Glyn M Ruck

204-333-11-14 or 211-333-11-14

deckard1

Thanks Glyn & Sammy for the expert information.

Much appreciated!

FrankW

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.

FrankW

Rear endlinks are all the same.

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.

deckard1

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.

FrankW

creaking sound is probably from your sway bar bushing.

if the ball joint is damaged when you turn and lock the steering you can feel them pop.

deckard1

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.

hcoronado

Frank,

so with AMG sway bars, H&R springs with 1/2 coil cut, Koni Yellow strust do you recomend going with the 12mm end links? I just ordered the bushing too!

FrankW

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.

hcoronado

thanks for the advised! I will re drill the shocks to fit the new end links.

sgbmedia

You guys just saved me from paying $1,700 for control arm replacements on my 2005 C230K