Who here has bought the UPD control arms and toe links
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: OC
AMG E55, Stage 1, Strait Pipe from Primary Cats
Just installed the UPD rear camber arms (Thanks Shardul) and front crash bolts. I have the fixed end arms but will be replacing the fixed with non fixed spercical bearing which is the original design and the proper one. Car launches much better and drives like a different car as it should. Couple things we had to do -- 1. I have a custom cat back (pic in sig is old stock exhaust btw) and we had to drop the exhaust to adjust the toe. 2. The camber arms did have to be grinded down to properly fit.
The E55 stock camber arms with the rubber bushings on both ends allows the cars suspension to travel up and down. Bearings on both sides (inner and outer) would be a better design that would last longer at the expense of allowing some forward to rearward movement. The "fixed" end has an aluminum sleeve pivoting inside a steel bearing with some grease inside, the aluminum piece will eventually wear out so do not do the fixed ends. I Hope this gives some clarity to this issue.
Denroll -- How the heck did you install these things on a creeper and jack stands? It is a mother to break anything loose even on the lift and you did it laying down? wow! I would say to anyone that you need to do this on a lift.
The E55 stock camber arms with the rubber bushings on both ends allows the cars suspension to travel up and down. Bearings on both sides (inner and outer) would be a better design that would last longer at the expense of allowing some forward to rearward movement. The "fixed" end has an aluminum sleeve pivoting inside a steel bearing with some grease inside, the aluminum piece will eventually wear out so do not do the fixed ends. I Hope this gives some clarity to this issue.
Denroll -- How the heck did you install these things on a creeper and jack stands? It is a mother to break anything loose even on the lift and you did it laying down? wow! I would say to anyone that you need to do this on a lift.
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Joined: Jul 2014
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2011 Cadillac CTS-V
I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS JUNK TO ANYONE!!! YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE SPEND YOUR MONEY ON REAL PROVEN TESTED SUSPENSION OR STICK TO YOUR OEM STUFF iTS BETTER QUALITY ANYWAY.
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From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
It hit the axle and snapped the spherical tie rod end? shooooot. how low was the car? Did you hit a huge bump on the road loaded?
Any idea if the MB-Art ones have the same issue?
Any idea if the MB-Art ones have the same issue?
Last edited by hachiroku; Nov 16, 2015 at 04:41 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
It's not junk but it does need a bit more development. FWIW, I removed and returned mine immediately after I noted, while installing, when the suspension is at full extension,( i.e. car "lifting" over whoop-de-do's in the road), the camber bars would bind and put the entire weight of the swing arm onto the heim joints' bolts' shafts.
This was a potential failure mode with which I did not feel comfortable. Seeing 03svtkiller's post reinforces my decision to return the set.
On the plus side, Shardul immediately refunded my money and I was only out shipping (well...maybe a few hours of my time). A small cost in my opinion. Development takes time and money and input from the audience. I have no complaints with Shardul, I am pleased and satisfied with my interactions with him, and I will highly recommend him to anyone dealing with Mercedes.
Here are my notes. All it needs is one more bend in the aluminum bar and the clearance would be fine. FWIW, this was January 2015.
Alternatively, the Heim joint should be threaded into the aluminum bar at a 30 degree to 45 degree angle and the end of the aluminum bar should be ground or cut off at a 30 degree to 45 degree angle to prevent interference with the sub-frame.
This was a potential failure mode with which I did not feel comfortable. Seeing 03svtkiller's post reinforces my decision to return the set.
On the plus side, Shardul immediately refunded my money and I was only out shipping (well...maybe a few hours of my time). A small cost in my opinion. Development takes time and money and input from the audience. I have no complaints with Shardul, I am pleased and satisfied with my interactions with him, and I will highly recommend him to anyone dealing with Mercedes.
Here are my notes. All it needs is one more bend in the aluminum bar and the clearance would be fine. FWIW, this was January 2015.
Alternatively, the Heim joint should be threaded into the aluminum bar at a 30 degree to 45 degree angle and the end of the aluminum bar should be ground or cut off at a 30 degree to 45 degree angle to prevent interference with the sub-frame.
Last edited by bbirdwell; Nov 16, 2015 at 08:53 PM. Reason: alternate solution
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Looking at the photo of 03svtkiller's failed heim joint, here is my observation for what it is worth. It matches with my evaluation when I returned the set.
Easy fix for this. This kit has potential so don't give up on it.
Easy fix for this. This kit has potential so don't give up on it.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 818
From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
crap...so I just bought a set... should I return them? the MB Arts don't look any better to be honest. looks like they would still bind. might take a bit more abuse before failing but same story.
thoughts?
thoughts?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
It may have just been the tolerances on my car. The binding would only occur at full extension of the suspension. That would only occur if the car was picked up on a lift or if it was lofting off the ground by driving at an excessive speed over a hill. The first (the lift) wouldn't be a big deal. The second shouldn't be occurring at all.
