Bushings and Wheel Alignment
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Bushings and Wheel Alignment
Hello guys,
Have a 98 E430 with 125K on the clock. The ride just isn't the same anymore. With the help of this site, i've replaced the motor mounts and the shocks, but it hasn't helped. I guess the next logical thing is to is replace the bushings. The problem is, I really don't know which ones to replace. Does anyone have pics of the bushing that need to be replaced to get the handling back to the way it was. I'd like to keep it stock, so no lowering or anything like that.
Another question is, my alignment is off. I believe I have negative camber (inside of tire wearing out faster). Would it be ideal for me to do bushing first before taking it in to get aligned? I'd hate to run into a scenario where I take it in to the dealership and they give me a call and ask if i'm sitting down, before they give me a crazy list of work that needs to be done before they can do alignment.
Any suggestions as to where i can take it besides the dealership in the DFW area?
Thanks in advance.
Have a 98 E430 with 125K on the clock. The ride just isn't the same anymore. With the help of this site, i've replaced the motor mounts and the shocks, but it hasn't helped. I guess the next logical thing is to is replace the bushings. The problem is, I really don't know which ones to replace. Does anyone have pics of the bushing that need to be replaced to get the handling back to the way it was. I'd like to keep it stock, so no lowering or anything like that.
Another question is, my alignment is off. I believe I have negative camber (inside of tire wearing out faster). Would it be ideal for me to do bushing first before taking it in to get aligned? I'd hate to run into a scenario where I take it in to the dealership and they give me a call and ask if i'm sitting down, before they give me a crazy list of work that needs to be done before they can do alignment.
Any suggestions as to where i can take it besides the dealership in the DFW area?
Thanks in advance.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 731
Likes: 1
W210 W140
A few questions:
-What do you mean the ride isn't the same? Some members may be able to point you in a better direction if you can provide specific symptoms of the ride problems
-Have you replaced your shocks?
-Have you checked the tie rods and wheel bearings?
Do not get an alignment before any suspension work. It is recommended that you get an alignment after any suspension work is done.
-What do you mean the ride isn't the same? Some members may be able to point you in a better direction if you can provide specific symptoms of the ride problems
-Have you replaced your shocks?
-Have you checked the tie rods and wheel bearings?
Do not get an alignment before any suspension work. It is recommended that you get an alignment after any suspension work is done.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Hello Ed. Thanks for the reply. What i mean is it just doesn't seem as smooth as when i first got the car. When i go over a speed bump or hit a pot hole, it just doesn't sound right. Not bad, like there's something loose, but not solid sounding. Other than that, the ride is alright for a car that high in mileage.
Yes, I've replaced all four shocks with OEM ones thinking that would help. So I'm gonna assume it could be the bushing. Does bushing tie into the suspension? Is this type of job a DIY, or is it better to get it done at a shop?
I think the tie rods and bearings are fine, on a smooth road, its fine. Then again, i'm not an experienced mechanic.
Thanks again.
Yes, I've replaced all four shocks with OEM ones thinking that would help. So I'm gonna assume it could be the bushing. Does bushing tie into the suspension? Is this type of job a DIY, or is it better to get it done at a shop?
I think the tie rods and bearings are fine, on a smooth road, its fine. Then again, i'm not an experienced mechanic.
Thanks again.
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Boston,MA
2001 E320, 2008 E63 AMG
Check your sway bars bushings and end links. If you go over a bump and you hear a clang. It's usually that the sway bar bushings are not holding the sway tight in the bracket.
mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=220998
mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=220998
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Jakarta
1996 MB E320 & 2010 Nissan Elgrand
Hello Ed. Thanks for the reply. What i mean is it just doesn't seem as smooth as when i first got the car. When i go over a speed bump or hit a pot hole, it just doesn't sound right. Not bad, like there's something loose, but not solid sounding. Other than that, the ride is alright for a car that high in mileage.
Yes, I've replaced all four shocks with OEM ones thinking that would help. So I'm gonna assume it could be the bushing. Does bushing tie into the suspension? Is this type of job a DIY, or is it better to get it done at a shop?
I think the tie rods and bearings are fine, on a smooth road, its fine. Then again, i'm not an experienced mechanic.
Thanks again.
Yes, I've replaced all four shocks with OEM ones thinking that would help. So I'm gonna assume it could be the bushing. Does bushing tie into the suspension? Is this type of job a DIY, or is it better to get it done at a shop?
I think the tie rods and bearings are fine, on a smooth road, its fine. Then again, i'm not an experienced mechanic.
Thanks again.
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal
1998 E320 W210
I have a 98 e320 with factory wheels. I just replaced 4 tires, because they were pretty bald. It still didn't seem solid. So, I just replaced the low ball joint bushings. The mechanic also told me the car needed the bearings repacked. As soon as the mechanic put the car on the lift, and showed me by shaking the wheels. It had little plays. He also lifted the wheels, and showed me the ball joint bushings were giving. It seemed to help the car feel better. I would check other bushings as well. I hope this helps.
