Need Some Help/Advice On Replacing Front Lower Control Arms and Axles
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
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2003 Mercedes S430 4Matic
Need Some Help/Advice On Replacing Front Lower Control Arms and Axles
I just purchased a 2003 S430 4matic with about 115,000 miles on it.
I am not looking to break the bank, but want to buy parts that are reliable.
I need to replace to front lower control arms and the front axles (axle boots were torn - so I figure I would replace the axles while doing the control arms at the same time).
Just looking for some advice or thoughts/opinions on what to buy here?
-------------------------------------------------------
Lower Control Arm (complete control - includes bushings)220-330-73-07 $458.85 (left) - Genuine Mercedes Parts
220-330-74-07 $448.50 (right) - Genuine Mercedes Parts
Additional Options for Lower Control Arm:
Vaico Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly; Front Left Lower - $222.99
SKU: 1440100-V301811
P/N: V301811
Vaico Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly; Front Right Lower $231.99
P/N: V301812
-------------------------------------------------------
Axle Assembly
220-330-02-00 $1,128.60 (left) 220-330-00-01 (updated part number) - inner and outer boots come with purchase. Genuine Mercedes Parts
220-330-01-01 $855.00 (right) 220-330-54-20 (updated part number) - inner and outer boots come with purchase. Genuine Mercedes Parts
Additional Options for Axle Assembly:
DSS Axle Shaft Assembly - $122.99
P/N: 2D-2203300001
DSS Axle Shaft Assembly; Front Right - $122.99
P/N: 2D-2203300101
GKN Loebro Axle Shaft Assembly - $455.99
P/N: GK-2203300001
GKN Loebro Axle Shaft Assembly - $455.99
P/N: GK-2203300101
-------------------------------------------------------
Also - if anyone has any tips/advice on doing the actual replacement.
Thanks in advance
I am not looking to break the bank, but want to buy parts that are reliable.
I need to replace to front lower control arms and the front axles (axle boots were torn - so I figure I would replace the axles while doing the control arms at the same time).
Just looking for some advice or thoughts/opinions on what to buy here?
-------------------------------------------------------
Lower Control Arm (complete control - includes bushings)220-330-73-07 $458.85 (left) - Genuine Mercedes Parts
220-330-74-07 $448.50 (right) - Genuine Mercedes Parts
Additional Options for Lower Control Arm:
Vaico Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly; Front Left Lower - $222.99
SKU: 1440100-V301811
P/N: V301811
Vaico Control Arm & Ball Joint Assembly; Front Right Lower $231.99
P/N: V301812
-------------------------------------------------------
Axle Assembly
220-330-02-00 $1,128.60 (left) 220-330-00-01 (updated part number) - inner and outer boots come with purchase. Genuine Mercedes Parts
220-330-01-01 $855.00 (right) 220-330-54-20 (updated part number) - inner and outer boots come with purchase. Genuine Mercedes Parts
Additional Options for Axle Assembly:
DSS Axle Shaft Assembly - $122.99
P/N: 2D-2203300001
DSS Axle Shaft Assembly; Front Right - $122.99
P/N: 2D-2203300101
GKN Loebro Axle Shaft Assembly - $455.99
P/N: GK-2203300001
GKN Loebro Axle Shaft Assembly - $455.99
P/N: GK-2203300101
-------------------------------------------------------
Also - if anyone has any tips/advice on doing the actual replacement.
Thanks in advance
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2003 Mercedes S430 4Matic
I am just trying to get some advice/opinions on whether I need to buy OEM products or if folks have had some decent experience with alternative suppliers.
There is a pretty hefty difference in price, so I just wanted to get some opinions ahead of time. The stealer can replace these (quotes) for about $8,000 (parts included)
I found a decent mechanic who can do it for pretty cheap if I order the parts.
Thanks again.
There is a pretty hefty difference in price, so I just wanted to get some opinions ahead of time. The stealer can replace these (quotes) for about $8,000 (parts included)
I found a decent mechanic who can do it for pretty cheap if I order the parts.
Thanks again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
I am just trying to get some advice/opinions on whether I need to buy OEM products or if folks have had some decent experience with alternative suppliers.
There is a pretty hefty difference in price, so I just wanted to get some opinions ahead of time. The stealer can replace these (quotes) for about $8,000 (parts included)
I found a decent mechanic who can do it for pretty cheap if I order the parts.
Thanks again.
There is a pretty hefty difference in price, so I just wanted to get some opinions ahead of time. The stealer can replace these (quotes) for about $8,000 (parts included)
I found a decent mechanic who can do it for pretty cheap if I order the parts.
Thanks again.
you can try the cheap aftermarket for the axles
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
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2003 Mercedes S430 4Matic
Thoughts on The Cheaper Brands????
There is a pretty big price differential between the DSS brand axle shaft assembly ($122.99 each side) and the GKN Loebro Brand ($455.00 each side).
I am not familiar with either and have no experience with using these types of parts on the Mercedes. The previous owner only used the dealer and used Mercedes Genuine Parts for all of those.
Thanks again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
Even the cheapest variety in your opinion?
There is a pretty big price differential between the DSS brand axle shaft assembly ($122.99 each side) and the GKN Loebro Brand ($455.00 each side).
I am not familiar with either and have no experience with using these types of parts on the Mercedes. The previous owner only used the dealer and used Mercedes Genuine Parts for all of those.
Thanks again.
There is a pretty big price differential between the DSS brand axle shaft assembly ($122.99 each side) and the GKN Loebro Brand ($455.00 each side).
I am not familiar with either and have no experience with using these types of parts on the Mercedes. The previous owner only used the dealer and used Mercedes Genuine Parts for all of those.
Thanks again.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2003 Mercedes S430 4Matic
Potentially keep the Axles and Replace the Boots?
I was checking out the thread on the torn axle boots. Do you think I could just replace the lower control arms and (as suggested in that thread) potentially just remove and clean the parts from the axle and replace the boots instead?
At what point does it make sense to just replace the axles altogether? And would it be better to keep the genuine mercedes axles I already have and instead just replace the axle boots?
Otherwise - I could replace them (and the DSS brand is quite inexpensive at $122.99 each). That said - I wonder if there is a reason WHY they are so cheap (i.e. unreliable).
Thanks again. Very helpful.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
yes new boots on the original axles will work , but
if you are relying on the report from the dealer I would get a second opinion and have another trusted mechanic carefully look to see if the parts indeed need replacing . I’ve seen dealers recommend replacement of parts having any slight sign of wear even if they may last 50,000 more miles . A Mercedes dealer is trained to recommend parts to bring your car to “new car” status . The fact is these are old cars and having parts with wear is fine . Only replace Control arms and the boots if substantial rubber cracks are visible , not just the beginning hairline markings that may be fine for 50,000 miles
if you are relying on the report from the dealer I would get a second opinion and have another trusted mechanic carefully look to see if the parts indeed need replacing . I’ve seen dealers recommend replacement of parts having any slight sign of wear even if they may last 50,000 more miles . A Mercedes dealer is trained to recommend parts to bring your car to “new car” status . The fact is these are old cars and having parts with wear is fine . Only replace Control arms and the boots if substantial rubber cracks are visible , not just the beginning hairline markings that may be fine for 50,000 miles
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Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 91
Likes: 16
From: Vermont, USA
01 clk430, 05 e500 4matic
I just did aftermarket control arms ($225ea. ebay) on exact same car. Buy genuine. Mine worked, but had a slightly shorter rear bushing so I really had to crank down the bolts.
I also had a torn inner cv boot from a bad engine mount. Cleaned up the joint and just replaced the boot (kit was $30 from eeuro)
I also had a torn inner cv boot from a bad engine mount. Cleaned up the joint and just replaced the boot (kit was $30 from eeuro)
