Worn or damaged bushings can allow metal on metal contact, tire wear, discomfort, noises, and vibrations. Bushings deteriorate due to heat, age, exposure, heavy loads, salt, oils, and the stress of frequent movement. Another symptom commonly associated with bad or failing control arm components is steering wandering.
What is a control arm on a Mercedes Benz?
The Mercedes Control Arm is a critical element of your vehicle’s suspension system, as it connects the steering knuckle to your car or truck’s frame. Typically, Mercedes Control Arms resemble the letter “A”; the higher end connects to the steering knuckle while the bottom end attaches to the frame.
How do I know if my control arm needs replacing?
Below are five common signs that your vehicle’s control arms need replacing.
- #1) Clunking Noise. One of the first things you’ll notice when one or more of your vehicle’s control arms goes bad is a clunking noise.
- #2) Vehicle Pulling to the Side.
- #3) Uneven Tread Wear.
- #4) Vibrations When Driving.
- #5) Visual Damage.
What does it sound like when a control arm is bad?
When the control arm bushings become too loose or worn, then you will start to hear a clunking sound coming from underneath your car, caused by the bushing getting knocked between the frame and the control arm.
What are the suspension problems on a Mercedes W203?
Install performance struts and springs. The front suspension on the Mercedes W203 have two control arms on each side that attach to the steering knuckle and the chassis, an upper and lower. The control arm has two areas of trouble; The ball joint that connects to steering knuckle and the control arm bushing, that connects it to the chassis.
How do you remove the lower control arm?
To remove the lower control arm you must follow the same steps as removing the upper. Make sure the strut is free from the steering knuckle and remove the 21mm ball joint nut (red arrow) and then the 21mm nut and bolt holding it to the chassis mount (yellow arrow).
How do you replace the bushings on a W203?
Pull the control arm down and out of the mount. If the control arm is not bent and the ball joint is fine you can just replace the bushing. The bushings are known to be a weak point on the W203s and should be inspected every 30,000 miles. This bushing is shot as you can see by the damage (red arrows).
What is wrong with my control arm?
The control arm has two areas of trouble; The ball joint that connects to steering knuckle and the control arm bushing, that connects it to the chassis. Keep in mind, the bushings have to be replaced in pairs.
