Hello, hoping for some alternative possibilities. I have a 97 c36, and Im being told my lower control arm bushings are bad... symptom..there is a clicking noise when i turn the steering wheel. Im kind of paranoid cuz the MB dealer has misdiagnosed my car problems before. The dealer quotes me at $700-
Questions...1. does it sound like this is my problem? and 2. is there any cheaper alternative?
Questions...1. does it sound like this is my problem? and 2. is there any cheaper alternative?
MBWorld Fanatic!
That is waaaaaaayyyyyyyyy to expensive to change the bushings. My MB mechanic changed mine when I changed the suspension on my W210. He charged me $350 bucks for labor including the bushings to replace my shocks, springs and bushings all together. Seek out another source for the work and I'll be glad to recommend my MB mechanic if you live in the LA area...
Senior Member
I paid $1000 for this ( or a little more) on my '97 E420 when it shredded its control arm bushings. Work was at MB dealer.
MBWorld Fanatic!
An MB "stealership" strikes again! I'm sorry you paid so much, those bast**ds! 
MBWorld Fanatic!
I would even doubt the diag. of the bushings. If it clicks or scroops when turning the wheel it is most likely the bearing of the between the hub and the control arm. The HW cost is around $40-50 and maybe 1 hour labor. The bushings normally dont make noise when the wheel is turned, but if you hit pot holes. Another source of noise of that nature is the bushing of the steering assembly opposite to the P/S gear.
