Mechanic Inspection

[Mike2006]

Guys,

I am looking for a quick piece of advise here. I just had an inspection carried out on a CLK230 ('99) coupe that I am looking to purchase and the mechanic came back with the following needing attention:

1. 2 rear tyres needed.
2. 2 flexi pipes needed for rear brakes.
3. 2 front ball joints need replacing.
4. back axle is leaking oil.
5. rear bearing needs adjustment.

Is there anything here that I need to be too worried about?

Thanks,

Mike.

 

[philharve]

Guys,

I am looking for a quick piece of advise here. I just had an inspection carried out on a CLK230 ('99) coupe that I am looking to purchase and the mechanic came back with the following needing attention:

1. 2 rear tyres needed.
2. 2 flexi pipes needed for rear brakes.
3. 2 front ball joints need replacing.
4. back axle is leaking oil.
5. rear bearing needs adjustment.

Is there anything here that I need to be too worried about?

Thanks,

Mike.

Potentially big bills!!! I hope the sale price reflects the cost of rectifying the repairs.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[Mike2006]

Phil,

How much would you estimate the repair bill to be? Indy, not main dealer.

Mike.

 

[philharve]

Phil,

How much would you estimate the repair bill to be? Indy, not main dealer.

Mike.

Hi Mike

Tricky to answer. Some members work in the motor trade and will be able to accurately assess the cost of repairs but they will require more information.

I have found indies' labour charges to be between 30 and 70 percent less than the dealers charges. Also, they will repair what's wrong and not suggest replacing an entire subsystem. For example, I encountered a wiper problem (known MB weakness) that cost me <GBP350 at the indies; the same work at the dealer started at GBP700.00.

My favourite indie uses MB parts and processes (no saving there) but his labour rates is one-third the dealers.

It's a no-brainer which I would choose: dealer or indie.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[jberks]

Guys,

I am looking for a quick piece of advise here. I just had an inspection carried out on a CLK230 ('99) coupe that I am looking to purchase and the mechanic came back with the following needing attention:

1. 2 rear tyres needed.
2. 2 flexi pipes needed for rear brakes.
3. 2 front ball joints need replacing.
4. back axle is leaking oil.
5. rear bearing needs adjustment.

Is there anything here that I need to be too worried about?

Thanks,

Mike.

There is nothing too frightening. I imagine the rear axle is the diff - very common leak and not serious. The only thing I'd be wary of are the ball joints.
To be fair, ring a local indie and get a quote as we'd be guessing, but assuming the price reflects the fact that you will need to spend, say £400 in total then there is nothing there that would scare me.

 

[BlackC55]

5. rear bearing is not adjustable.

The only thing that is expensive on that list is the diff seals. 4 hours labour. It depends how bad the leak is really.

 

[jibcl500]

Ive never seen a dry diff on a Mercedes!!!!! as long as the diff is ok and the oil level is correct and there is no noise from it then I wouldnt worry about it.
Tyres can be expensive, rear wheel bearing is a 15 min fix if it just needs the slack taken out.
Front ball joints are cheap enough just time consuming to fit. Rear brake pipes will be cheap to buy, labour to fit about 2 hours tops. I'd all in about £550 ish.

jib

 

[kth286]

I also did not think there is any way to "adjust" rear wheel bearing if that is indeed what he is talking about.

If not what is the cost/solution for that ?

 

[philharve]

Ive never seen a dry diff on a Mercedes!!!!! as long as the diff is ok and the oil level is correct and there is no noise from it then I wouldnt worry about it.
Tyres can be expensive, rear wheel bearing is a 15 min fix if it just needs the slack taken out.
Front ball joints are cheap enough just time consuming to fit. Rear brake pipes will be cheap to buy, labour to fit about 2 hours tops. I'd all in about £550 ish.

jib

Hi jibcl500

My Toyota Celica was the same. If a seal/gasket failed, I'd lose some oil but not the lot. My earlier, British-designed cars could, in theory, leak until dry. I remember I was forever checking oil levels on these cars. Not so with modern machinery.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[television]

Looking at it there is nothing terrible there normal wear and tear and £400 in my book should make it fine.

He seams to have given it a good test

 

[Legoman]

1.aye rear diff's always leak , the centrifugal force seems to break the seals on most cars after a while , as said its not an issue and actually prevents rust , as long as it doesnt leave a pool under the car i wouldnt worry about it tbh .

2.if the bearing or its guide have failed , it needs replacing , its probably the outer one which normally quite accessable on most cars , i havent seen that model setup but it will require removal of the disc and drum to access no doubts.

3.ball joints are a pain to do if they need pressing in , normally its easier albiet more expensive to replace the whole wishbone , i normally do as i do the work myself so i negate the labour charge and actually save money.

4.flexi pipes require you to bleed the brake system , also they can be stubborn to remove due to exposure to elements and hence rust , plus gas and possibly a bit of heat can often be required. not hard just time consuming if you have the right tools.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Ball joints on a CLK same as a w202 c class just 2 bolted tapered joints and locating pin.

 

[Ian B Walker]

Tyres can be expensive, rear wheel bearing is a 15 min fix if it just needs the slack taken out.


jib

And how would you adjust the rear bearings? Please tell.

 

[Mike2006]

Thanks

Folks,

I really appreciste al the responses and passing of knowledge from all on this thread. Looks like I am going to be the owner of a CLK230 Coupe on Friday.

Thanks again.

Mike.

 

[television]

Folks,

I really appreciste al the responses and passing of knowledge from all on this thread. Looks like I am going to be the owner of a CLK230 Coupe on Friday.

Thanks again.

Mike.

Well done and do enjoy it,I think that you will