Front Suspension Issues
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2005 clk 320 convertible
Front Suspension Issues
I own a 2005 Clk 320 with 150k miles on it. At 75k I replaced struts, control arms, thrust arms (lower control arms). At 125k bushings in thrust arms failed and were replaced (MB parts). I also changed motor mounts at 125k (MB parts). At 150k right thrust arm bushing failed again (I stopped hard to avoid front end collision and I heard a loud KLUK coming from under the car. I am going to replace struts, control arms and thrust arms again. Indi mechanic says bushing probably faulty. My question is: I seem to have issues with the thrust arm bushings and want to know if there is anything else that supports the car in that forward/backward horizontal movement that I should look into because it is contributing to its failure. it is also impossible to align. Mechanic says no, there is no other parts affected.
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This is really par for the course - these bushings are good for may 75K miles. Mine are at just under 60K and not doing well. I think it's the weight and geometry of the CLK suspension that puts stress on these parts. My C240 has the same parts, and they have lasted over 100K with no problems.
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
I own a 2005 Clk 320 with 150k miles on it. At 75k I replaced struts, control arms, thrust arms (lower control arms). At 125k bushings in thrust arms failed and were replaced (MB parts). I also changed motor mounts at 125k (MB parts). At 150k right thrust arm bushing failed again (I stopped hard to avoid front end collision and I heard a loud KLUK coming from under the car. I am going to replace struts, control arms and thrust arms again. Indi mechanic says bushing probably faulty. My question is: I seem to have issues with the thrust arm bushings and want to know if there is anything else that supports the car in that forward/backward horizontal movement that I should look into because it is contributing to its failure. it is also impossible to align. Mechanic says no, there is no other parts affected.
At K-MAC we manufacture replacement front control arm bushes and also the thrust arm bushes.
These have twice the load bearing area of OEM bushes with the added bonus of the control arm bushes being also (precisely) Camber adjustable and similar thrust arm bushes being Caster adjustable.
For the rear we manufacture the four main bushes and again providing precisely adjustable Camber plus additional Toe adjustment to compensate for this new Camber facility.
NOTE: Virtually all Mercedes models only have front and rear Toe adjustment OEM. No Camber/Caster adjustment to return vehicle to factory specs to resolve steering pull, premature inner edge tire wear, curb knock damage or the result of altering suspension height, fitting wide profile tires or load carrying.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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2005 clk 320 convertible
MB Techman: thank you or your response. Work was done by MB tech in Los Angeles CA. I knew about the requirement to tighten the bolts with the tires on the ground and told him about it, technician also knew about it. He replaced the first set 75k miles ago. I am still wondering what else should I be looking at that can affect the performance of the control arms, and that KLUK I heard when stopping hard.
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From: Hampton, GA
CLK500 SPORT
luiselsla and other MB gurus I just had my vehicle inspected and they said that I need to replace my front torque strut bushings as well as the front lower control arm bushings. My question is what in the hell are torque strut bushings and is there a part #. Sorry to ask in your thread didn't want to create another thread with similar issues.
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The torque strut is what some may call the "upper control arm". Its bushings are the rubber isolators where it attaches to the frame. To get the proper part number, it needs to match to your VIN.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Hampton, GA
CLK500 SPORT
Thanks Rudeney I was doing a little digging and found the name on the EPC when I clicked on rubber bushing under part # 203 333 10 14 says torque strut bearing. I love this forum so much help.
