eric_in_sd

Knowing that a front CV axle replacement is in my not too distant future, as there is an intermittent pop/click from the right front at full lock and with deflection, I decided to take the plunge with both the axles and the front suspension components. It was quite a learning curve.

There are just three domestic makers of CV axles: Trakmotive, Cardone, and GSP. Trakmotive supplies for the private brand, e.g. Napa; you can buy the Trakmotive branded parts on Rock Auto, for example, for considerably less. There is no indication that Trakmotive builds deficient products. GSP stands for GuangSheng Production or somesuch; it is a China based company. Cardone appears to be the high end of the domestic. I ordered Cardone axles.

The suspension components are a considerably more frightening situation. I came to understand the lower control arm is the critical one, as it sustains braking and acceleration forces. The upper control arm controls the geometry in deflection.

Not including Lemfoerder, which are difficult to find and expensive when you do, there are three respectable manufacturers: Moog, Mevotech, and Delphi. The consensus seems to be that Moog and Mevotech are hit-or-miss. Neither has a clear advantage over the other. This from Toyota forums, also BobIsTheOilGuy. Delphi is a major manufacturer. The country of origin for the lower control arms is Turkey, which is same as Lemforder. [thinking_face_emoji.bmp]

I ordered the Delphi. Commence flogging.

chassis

I don’t see a difference in aftermarket brands, if not buying OEM parts from the MB dealer.

K-Mac

RE “REPLACEMENT” BUSHINGS - DO POINT OUT AT K-MAC WE HAVE THE EXPERIENCE OF MANUFACTURING UPRATED PERFORMANCE BUSHINGS - 60 YEARS NOW 1964 !

NOT ONLY REPLACEMENT but seeing there is no Front or Rear “Camber adjustment” to resolve costly, premature excess tire wear.

All K-MAC bushings therefore INCLUDE Camber (and Caster) on Front and for Rear Camber (and extra Toe) !

NOT ONLY THAT - BUT WITH K-MAC BUSHINGS DESIGNED SO NO SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED TO FIT - OR THE TIME CONSUMING NEED FOR BOTH ARM REMOVAL AND A PRESS TO REMOVE BUSHINGS !

NOTE: (Incredulous but true) - The often quoted re assuring “Full Front & Rear ‘4’ Wheel Alignment” is in fact only TOE “directional” adjustment (New car industry’s best kept secret).

THEREFORE FOR ALL W166/X MODELS:

FRONT #504016N $695 (4 highest wearing bushes plus Camber & Caster).

REAR #504026K $480 (4 highest wearing bushes plus Camber & Extra Toe )

Alternatively:

REAR #504126N $695 (Upper adjustable arms - Camber & Extra Toe).
*Upper Arms are steel - unlike other brands not soft extruded aluminum.



AUDI to VOLVO - K-MAC Experience Of Resolving OEM Suspension Shortcomings Since 1964 !

BlackML550

My experience was that changing the bushings on the lower control arm was a nightmare, at least for the rearmost bush that couldn't be pressed out and needed to be cut and hacked out.

Whichever you chose, buy the complete arm and save yourself a lot of grief.

texas008

Delphi front lower control arms part: $194 + tax each, mobile mechanic labor $100 each.
so far so good.