First Major Problem
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 50
From: Yokohama, Japan
2000 CLK 320
First Major Problem
This weekend getting on the Highway I started to punch it but my car started to shake at 37mph and very badly at 55mph.
Took it to my dealer and they said that my
Drag Link Assembly w/ Tie Rods Part Number: 202460505 is shot.
They also recommended I go with a Bilstein Steering Damper.
This is my first major problem with my car.
Any gains of going with a Bilstein Steering Damper over Stock?
Will I need an alignment afterwards?
They did not say anything about needing to have a realignment. 
Took it to my dealer and they said that my
Drag Link Assembly w/ Tie Rods Part Number: 202460505 is shot.
They also recommended I go with a Bilstein Steering Damper.
This is my first major problem with my car.
Any gains of going with a Bilstein Steering Damper over Stock?
Will I need an alignment afterwards?
They did not say anything about needing to have a realignment.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area
02 clk 55, 13 GL 450
yes you will need to realign after the new steering linkage is installed. dampners are cheap on ebay for 20 bucks or so. Good news is that outside of the alignment, all this is a DIY project. Make sure you take good measurements before removal so you can get the new tie rods installed close enough to spec to drive to the alignment shop
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 21
From: SoCaL (LA / OC)
E55 AMG (SOLD), EvoSport CLK (SOLD), 2013 GsxR 750 (SOLD)
Drag assembly w/ complete tie rods might run you anywhere from $225+ depending on where you get it from.
The steering damper is a simple DIY. there's like... two bolts and a shock underneath the car in your steering area.
You don't necessary have to go with Bilstein. Another brand that you can go with is STABILUS. I'm not 100% sure what brand our OEM steering dampers are, but "everyone" says... if you haven't replaced your ORIGINAL steering dampers since the car was bought, be prepared to feel a huge difference. (in a good way of course).
The steering damper is a simple DIY. there's like... two bolts and a shock underneath the car in your steering area.
You don't necessary have to go with Bilstein. Another brand that you can go with is STABILUS. I'm not 100% sure what brand our OEM steering dampers are, but "everyone" says... if you haven't replaced your ORIGINAL steering dampers since the car was bought, be prepared to feel a huge difference. (in a good way of course).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta
Current: AMG GT-C. Sold: 01 CLK55, 00 ML55, 01 ML55, 06 E55
Honestly, there's a reasonable chance that the MB dampers are OEM parts by Bilstein, just branded Mercedes. Since they use bilstein shocks on the w208 clk55's...
Sorry to hear you had trouble!
Sorry to hear you had trouble!
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 149
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
2002 CLK55 AMG cabriolet
My draglink got shot at 90k. MB dealership just replaced it for $900. I've DIY'ed everything on my car except this draglink assembly and fluid changes. I'm not one to mess with steering to keep my car on the road i'll let the pros handle it. My car did not need an alignment after draglink was replaced...... just new tires since the wear was f'd
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 50
From: Yokohama, Japan
2000 CLK 320
Thanks everyone
I forgot to mention that my Coolant Reservoir Tank is also busted. Go figure, now who has replaced that or even heard of that failing. I got coolant being sprayed over my engine having to refill the tank every 2 weeks.
I forgot to mention that my Coolant Reservoir Tank is also busted. Go figure, now who has replaced that or even heard of that failing. I got coolant being sprayed over my engine having to refill the tank every 2 weeks.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area
02 clk 55, 13 GL 450
Did someone crank the cap on to tight?? thats some pretty heavy plastic to just fail. the drag link is what dictates your toe in/out adjustment. You'll be able to eyeball it close but better leave the final calibration to the shop. That way all adjustments will be checked. Dont forget to check your balljoints too. If they are bad too you'll be back at the alignment shop
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
White 1999 CLKL320
I replaced my drag link and steering damper around 105k miles. I noticed some slop and vibration in the steering. When I jacked the car up there was noticeable play when I grabbed the wheels. I found an OEM drag link on ebay for $160 shipped and a damper for $20. Labor was $80 at my local shop. Replacing the drag link looks quite simple however the bolts on mine were extremely hard to break free. I had an alignment at the dealer since no one else around here can do it properly.
This looks like a deal http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...Q5fAccessories
This looks like a deal http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...Q5fAccessories
Last edited by thebender; Feb 24, 2009 at 09:18 PM.
