Suspension parts recommendation
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2008 e550 base WDBUF72X98B228774
Suspension parts recommendation
Just replaced the front left airmatic strut and noticed the ball joints were very weak upper and lower. I just purchased my car used at 73K miles. So I'm planning to replace all 6 control arms. I notice FCP Euro sells TRW and Lemforder, both of which I understand recently moved production to China. Is one better than the other? Is OEM Mercedes worth it? Any other brand or source I should consider?
Also, should I consider just replacing the ball joints in some of these parts, say the upper control arms? What is best practice?
Also, should I consider just replacing the ball joints in some of these parts, say the upper control arms? What is best practice?
Last edited by KCe550; Aug 25, 2024 at 12:15 PM.
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Needing control arms and ball joints at 73,000 miles seems very early. I’m not sure what weak ball joints means. What symptoms are you experiencing? Lower ball joints on pre-facelift (‘03, ‘04, ‘05) W211 were failing around 100,000 miles. Later cars were better. My ‘03 still had the original upper ball joints at 186,000 miles.
TRW and Lemforder are both reliable parts. The OE suspension hard parts on W211 were made by Lemforder. I can’t speak to new production from China, but the European Lemforder (Poland?) aftermarket ball joints were actually better than the OE ones.
TRW and Lemforder are both reliable parts. The OE suspension hard parts on W211 were made by Lemforder. I can’t speak to new production from China, but the European Lemforder (Poland?) aftermarket ball joints were actually better than the OE ones.
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
I suppose that’s as valid as loss of steering center, wobbling, loose steering, or inability to maintain alignment. I just didn’t get too concerned about the upper components because they didn’t have much affect on steering or alignment. The lower ball joints and bushings are a different matter. So if you’re going to rebuild the whole front suspension while changing the lowers, go for it.
The Lemforder aftermarket parts prices should be about ⅓ of the ones in Mercedes boxes, but if they’re higher now, the TRW parts are completely competent.
The Lemforder aftermarket parts prices should be about ⅓ of the ones in Mercedes boxes, but if they’re higher now, the TRW parts are completely competent.
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2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
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2006 e320
I've got 2wd and the oe supplier was not lemforder on the ball joints. Mb owns the design of their parts, the supplier cannot sell the identical part in the aftermarket. The aftermarket doesn't have the same design life or price point.
one of my cars i used mb ball joints and the other lemforder. On my 3rd set of lemforder in 100k miles. Other car gets less miles, but so far good. When I did tie rods, there was $10 difference between factory and aftermarket made in China parts. I find a dealer which discounts parts.
Michael
one of my cars i used mb ball joints and the other lemforder. On my 3rd set of lemforder in 100k miles. Other car gets less miles, but so far good. When I did tie rods, there was $10 difference between factory and aftermarket made in China parts. I find a dealer which discounts parts.
Michael
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,349
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
I've got 2wd and the oe supplier was not lemforder on the ball joints. Mb owns the design of their parts, the supplier cannot sell the identical part in the aftermarket. The aftermarket doesn't have the same design life or price point.
one of my cars i used mb ball joints and the other lemforder. On my 3rd set of lemforder in 100k miles. Other car gets less miles, but so far good. When I did tie rods, there was $10 difference between factory and aftermarket made in China parts. I find a dealer which discounts parts
one of my cars i used mb ball joints and the other lemforder. On my 3rd set of lemforder in 100k miles. Other car gets less miles, but so far good. When I did tie rods, there was $10 difference between factory and aftermarket made in China parts. I find a dealer which discounts parts
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