Suspension advice?

Question

I've been told that some car parts on my C200, 1996 sedan has to be replaced for safety reasons. The parts in question are the drag link, a steering damper, ball joints and an idler arm bush kit. Could anybody tell me about the safety implications of these parts, and at which mileage these items are generally replaced? I'm also wondering about the safety implications of not replacing these parts.

Answer 1

These three parts are all a part of the steering mechanism. If you have a problem with your car not being able to drive straight down any flat and level road, you would want to have these items inspected and replaced if worn out. There is no specific milelage or time to replace these three parts if there is no serious tire wear or deteriorization of rubberized joints. Dealers will often change these parts when it is not necessary. Changing any of the parts without doing a complete front wheel alignment, wheel balancing, and steering inspection, can lead to excessive tire wear or even premature tire failure or other suspension parts.

Answer 2

These items are what make your car able to turn. Some things that could happen if you do not replace them, if a ball joint brakes(almost never happens) the wheel could flop out at an angle and stop the car. Idler arm bushing will just make the steering feel lose. Since these items also keep the alignment in order if they are worn you are going to wear your tears out early. So the safety issue is low but in terms of money its cheaper in the long run to replace the worn parts now then to have to do tires and the parts latter.

Answer 3

Well it is just this simple. If Mercedes says they need to be replaced, they need to be replaced. What happens if you don't replace them, well your steering fails. I don't mean the wheel stops working, I mean something breaks. Good news, the way Mercs are made it normally, 99.9999%, happens when you are stopped or barley moving and try to turn your wheel hard one way or another, like parking. The ball joint pops and car drops down on that tire. Some fender damage can be expected. Towing is a nogo without dollies or using a crane.

Draglink.. problably the brass bushing is loose
steering damper not very important, just keep vibrations out of the steering
Ball joints, on a merc, probably the lowers.
Idler arm bushing kit, simple cheap and fast.

Answer 4

Contact your Merc. dealership and ask them. Your life could depend on these things being right.