m2736185

So I just purchased a 2001 CLK430 with 39k miles on it. Car was pretty much in mint condition....except for


apparently the previous owner hit something pretty hard with the passenger side wheel. The passenger wheel is tilted to the right when the steering wheel is straight. At first I figured this was just the tie rod since I could tell it was the only thing obviously bent. It was replaced with an OEM full tie rod. The wheel alignment improved, but I was still unable to align the tie perfectly. taking a closer look it appears that the lower control arm may also have been slightly bent and is preventing proper alignment.


I have reviewed multiple threats about replacing the control arm. From what I understand I need to compress the spring, remove two bolds, then detach the ball joint?




As far as replacement options the dealer wants $650, Ebay has them going for $120. I have decided to take a chance inbetween and purchase a used one from a junkyard. I would trust that more than a $120 part and I refuse to pay $650 for just a control arm.

Chadzu

Any arm from the wrecking yard is going to have bad bushings. You can get a good quality new arm for much less than dealer prices.

m2736185

Is it possible to swap the bushings of my current car without damaging them?

Chadzu

No, they are press fit and you destroy them getting them out.

demon.bloom1

beck arnley brand sells for $195 just about anywhere... advance, autozone, oreilly, lotsa places online.... part # 102-7565 front left lower.... # 102-7566 front right lower.... i got the part numbers info from http://www.beckcatalog.com and the prices from a google shopping search, but you could just call your local parts store with part numbers (its better that way... most of the people there dont really know parts all that well.... especially mercedes....)

Chadzu

Looks like mb parts online has them for $375. Still expensive, but it's the OE part.

m2736185

I had seen the beck arnley on the web, but I wasn't sure if it was a good brand or not. I ended up ordering one from a yard with 50k miles on it. Hopefully the bushings are good or ill have to order a new set and wait even longer to get the car on the road

m2736185

Control arm came in today... The good news is the bushings are in great condition...the bad news is the arm must not have been a florida car like my own. It has surface rust at parts of the arm. I guess is should sand the rust off and use some spray paint to stop the rust from spreading.