Keep front end like new solid: replace front end bits all at once
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 938
Likes: 53
From: Montreal, Canada
2005 C240 2011 R350
Keep front end like new solid: replace front end bits all at once
I just replaced both front control arms, and tie rods. Sway bar links and shocks done 2 years ago. WOW what a difference! Car has 225Kkm.
Here is the story
We all remember that solid new car feel. Over time parts wear out but you tend to only replace each part when it is dead. Yet the car never feels like new because other bits are starting to wear out also. So every couple years you replace the next part.. and the next but that solid feel never comes back. The joy of driving is never the same as it was.
Why do this piece meal? Why not replace it all say every 150Kkm/100K miles? Or sooner? Once its up on the lift or jacks and you have to start removing parts to get access, do it all. Get that solid feel again. No repairs for many more miles...
Replacing the upper arms is a big job, you have to remove the sway bars, (broke one of the bolts, had to drill out the aluminium engine/suspension cradle) You also have to undo the strut bolts too. I should have done this when I replaced the shocks!
If you are going to keep a car for 200Kmiles.. all these parts are going to have to be replaced anyway! do them all at say every 75K Kmiles... and get piece of mind and driving pleasure!
Here is the story
We all remember that solid new car feel. Over time parts wear out but you tend to only replace each part when it is dead. Yet the car never feels like new because other bits are starting to wear out also. So every couple years you replace the next part.. and the next but that solid feel never comes back. The joy of driving is never the same as it was.
Why do this piece meal? Why not replace it all say every 150Kkm/100K miles? Or sooner? Once its up on the lift or jacks and you have to start removing parts to get access, do it all. Get that solid feel again. No repairs for many more miles...
Replacing the upper arms is a big job, you have to remove the sway bars, (broke one of the bolts, had to drill out the aluminium engine/suspension cradle) You also have to undo the strut bolts too. I should have done this when I replaced the shocks!
If you are going to keep a car for 200Kmiles.. all these parts are going to have to be replaced anyway! do them all at say every 75K Kmiles... and get piece of mind and driving pleasure!
Last edited by efzauner; Aug 26, 2017 at 07:53 AM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 938
Likes: 53
From: Montreal, Canada
2005 C240 2011 R350
Both lower control arms had already been changed. i have 225Kkm onthe car so not so bad really. The upper control arms where never changed. so really not sooo bad...
Last edited by efzauner; Aug 27, 2017 at 08:27 AM.
