citruspilot

1997 E420. After 160,000 miles I think its time to replace totally or do a rebush job on the control arms up front. I have already replaced all the tierods and lower ball joints. But still get a slight wheel shimmy at certain speeds and when I apply the brakes hard. Have had the wheels balanced and checked tire pressures, all good. Brakes replaced about 5,000 miles ago too.

Do the lower control arm bushings wear faster than the upper? Can I get by by just doing the lowers or should I do them all? Just needing some input from some of you tech guys. Thanks.

Jeff

foreyes

Get it up on a lift and check upper and lower control arms for excessive play. You could replace only the ones with noticeable play, and then road test. Others might say 160k, do all of them at the same time, but I would take the conservative approach.

citruspilot

The parts arent that expensive its just the labor to remove everything I just put on to get to them boys. But I guess its still cheaper than buying a newer E430 model.

No car payment=fix it right stupid.

Jeff

Zackb911

I think at the mileage it may be better to just replace the whole lower control arm. I don't think it is too costly from autohouseaz.com plus it would make it a lot quicker to do and DIY friendly if you're so inclined.

jimmydagreek

I was just going to ask about the brakes because you mention the "shimmy" happens when you brake. When you did the brake job, did you inspect rotors for warpage? My front rotors were warped on my previous 97 E420 and I also got a shimmy when I braked. Hmmm...

patrick_y

+1

citruspilot

Jimmy, well to answer your question about the rotors, no. I did not turn them. They seemed rather smooth but you could be right. Maybe I'll take them off and cut them if they can be, thickness wise........

Anyway after I did the other suspension parts, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings, I took it to the MB dealership for a 4 wheel alignment. (I had read on here that having Firestone or other chain tire store do the alignment was not a good idea. Something about weight on wheels or something like that.) So during the alignment the MB shop showed me that the control arm bushings were worn but I declined to have them done at that time, money. So I am now thinking of doing them my self with the help of my best friend who is a master tech at our Lincoln dealership here. He can do anything at his house and has plenty of tools and beer..........

While doing the bushings I will probably do the rotors too just to make sure.

Between working on this E420 and my boat I can tell you its pretty expensive. All these toys. No wonder my wife isnt happy about all my little man projects..........

Jeff

jimmydagreek

Talk about the wife being happy, I travel quite a bit for work (I'm in Houston and Dallas this week). I also like to work on the cars myself and heavy into hunting. As soon as I get off the airplane on Friday I'm driving home, packing up my Jeep with my gear, picking up my buddies and we're heading out for deer opening weekend, lol. My wife really hates me right now and although I do miss her and the baby when I travel, the deer aren't going to wait until the following weekend, lol...