C55 Control Arm replacement questions
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
C55 Control Arm replacement questions
I'm going to tackle replacing the control arms on my C55 myself. I did it before successfully on my old E30 and on my wifes 328i.
FCP euro has a kit and a very good video here:
3 quick questions:
1. Torque specs?
The torque specs seem super low. 80nm on the bushings and 50nm (only 36ft/lbs??) on the ball joints? When I did this job on the BMW 328i the torque specs were considerable higher. Is 80nm and 50nm accurate for the Benz?
2. Counter hold?
In the video the guy from FCP euro is able to remove and reinstall the ball joint hardware without a "counter-hold." On the BMW 328i I did, the top of the ball joint bolt had a t40 torx I had to counter-hold. I assume that the Mercedes design is perhaps a bit different and thus the bolt won't spin so a counter-hold is not necessary?
3. Caliper removal?
In the FCP video, to get the front thrust arms out, he remove the caliper. But Benz legend Alex @ Legitstreetcars has a video where he just is able to tilt the spindle away by removing 3 bolts:
I assume Alex has the better method here?
FCP euro has a kit and a very good video here:
3 quick questions:
1. Torque specs?
The torque specs seem super low. 80nm on the bushings and 50nm (only 36ft/lbs??) on the ball joints? When I did this job on the BMW 328i the torque specs were considerable higher. Is 80nm and 50nm accurate for the Benz?
2. Counter hold?
In the video the guy from FCP euro is able to remove and reinstall the ball joint hardware without a "counter-hold." On the BMW 328i I did, the top of the ball joint bolt had a t40 torx I had to counter-hold. I assume that the Mercedes design is perhaps a bit different and thus the bolt won't spin so a counter-hold is not necessary?
3. Caliper removal?
In the FCP video, to get the front thrust arms out, he remove the caliper. But Benz legend Alex @ Legitstreetcars has a video where he just is able to tilt the spindle away by removing 3 bolts:
I assume Alex has the better method here?
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
1. Ive done my share of control arms and Ive never use trq specs. I tend to stick to trq specs on more sensitive bolts like valve covers or oil pans where trq spec is really low and the material is softer.
2. The ball joint should have a torx wrench hole on top so if you need to counter hold, thatll be the way to do it.
3. I dont see why the caliper removal is needed. Im actually gonna replace my arms soon to install a camber kit. I looked at it yesterday and I didnt feel like I needed to remove the caliper.
2. The ball joint should have a torx wrench hole on top so if you need to counter hold, thatll be the way to do it.
3. I dont see why the caliper removal is needed. Im actually gonna replace my arms soon to install a camber kit. I looked at it yesterday and I didnt feel like I needed to remove the caliper.
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
Hi when it comes to “Uprated Replacement Bushings” - Do point out K-MAC ALIGN has the experience of manufacturing longer than anyone else (since 1964).
For the W203 (All models including AMG) Replacing the “entire four Front bushings” - Lower inner arm and the two forward facing thrust arm bushes (large diameter - high wearing / soft rubber).
TAKE A LOOK AT THE K-MAC ADVANTAGES:
1) SUPPLIED WITH BUSH EXTRACTION AND INSERTION TOOLS - So no other special tools required and no “time consuming control arm removal” and then “hydraulic press to remove and replace” bushings !
2) FACT - Ex Factory W203 has only TOE (directional) adjustment. There is no Front Camber and Caster. No Rear Camber OEM to resolve costly premature excess edge tire wear issues !
SO K-MAC BUSHES INCLUDE CAMBER & CASTER ADJUSTMENT AS WELL !
3) Plus the unique K-MAC patented design - also allows “easily accessible / precise single wrench adjustment”. Ultimate - Direct on alignment rack UNDER LOAD ! up to 2 degrees extra Positive or Negative Camber change.
4) LAST - BUT NOT LEAST. K-MAC bushings are Mono ball / Self aligning. Still allowing arms to travel through their required suspension arcs - but significantly improving Brake and Steering response !
#502216M $595 (set of 4) Uprated bushings and Caster and Caster adjustable.
OR
Camber only #502216-1J $380.
NOTE: REAR KIT (Camber & Extra Toe adjustable) incl AMG
#501926J $480 (‘04-’07) - lower arm inner bush (diam 51mm).
#502026H $345 (‘00-’04) - lower arm inner bush (diam 33mm).
SEE SPOILER - Front & Rear instruction sheets.
Kevin
AUDI to VOLVO - K-MAC Experience Of Resolving OEM Suspension Shortcomings (and Costs) Since 1964 !
For the W203 (All models including AMG) Replacing the “entire four Front bushings” - Lower inner arm and the two forward facing thrust arm bushes (large diameter - high wearing / soft rubber).
TAKE A LOOK AT THE K-MAC ADVANTAGES:
1) SUPPLIED WITH BUSH EXTRACTION AND INSERTION TOOLS - So no other special tools required and no “time consuming control arm removal” and then “hydraulic press to remove and replace” bushings !
2) FACT - Ex Factory W203 has only TOE (directional) adjustment. There is no Front Camber and Caster. No Rear Camber OEM to resolve costly premature excess edge tire wear issues !
SO K-MAC BUSHES INCLUDE CAMBER & CASTER ADJUSTMENT AS WELL !
3) Plus the unique K-MAC patented design - also allows “easily accessible / precise single wrench adjustment”. Ultimate - Direct on alignment rack UNDER LOAD ! up to 2 degrees extra Positive or Negative Camber change.
4) LAST - BUT NOT LEAST. K-MAC bushings are Mono ball / Self aligning. Still allowing arms to travel through their required suspension arcs - but significantly improving Brake and Steering response !
#502216M $595 (set of 4) Uprated bushings and Caster and Caster adjustable.
OR
Camber only #502216-1J $380.
NOTE: REAR KIT (Camber & Extra Toe adjustable) incl AMG
#501926J $480 (‘04-’07) - lower arm inner bush (diam 51mm).
#502026H $345 (‘00-’04) - lower arm inner bush (diam 33mm).
SEE SPOILER - Front & Rear instruction sheets.
Spoiler
Kevin
AUDI to VOLVO - K-MAC Experience Of Resolving OEM Suspension Shortcomings (and Costs) Since 1964 !
Last edited by K-Mac; Sep 6, 2025 at 06:25 AM.
