Suspension/steering question

[Richard1]

In my effort to improve the steering on my 1991 300E I plan to replace the following:

Bilstein struts (V360185, Comfort Ride) and mounts
Bilstein rear shocks (OEM, B361518)
sway arm bushing kit
control arm bushing kit

As well as the car has been maintained by the previous owner none of the above-mentioned kits were installed. Furthermore, one strut and one shock were replaced with Monroe's. Stock front springs were replaced at the dealer two years ago.

Does this list cover the needed components or am I missing something? Lastly, does anyone have experience with Lemforder ball joints? Your input would be most appreciated.

Richard

 

[kth286]

Richard1

I think you are on the wrong track are'nt you.

If it is the STEERING that's a problem, you should be looking at the following:

* geometry

* Idler arm bushing

* all tie rod joints (4)

* drag link joints (2)

* wheel bearings (front) adjusted correctly.

* steering wheel at the correct position when front wheels straight ahead (very important because that is the only position when steering box is at it's most accurate position)

There should be no more than 1 inch of steering wheel movement (side to side) before the front wheels start to move, on a stationaery car with the engine off.

Some of the items you are looking at will have absolutely no impact on the steering accuracy ie. sway arm (anti-roll bar ?) bushing kits.

You can leave the whole anti roll-bar off the car and it will not effect the accuracy of the steering - you will probably not even notice in normal driving.

If your car needs steering corrections when driving in a straight line, then the REAR thrust and torque link joints on both sides of the rear suspension are worn out and the links need replacing (very worthwhile and cheap to do yourself).

Hope this helps.

 

[Richard1]

Actually, the reason I'm considering replacing these parts is becasue the car has 170,00km and I am about to replace the shocks and stuts. I thought it would be a good idea to do as thorough a job as possible. Thus far my list includes:

F/Bilstein HD Struts (2)
Strut Mounts (2)
Rear Bilstein HD Shocks (2)
Ball Joints (2)
Control Arm Strut Mount Kit
Control Arm Bushing Kit
Idler Arm Repair Kit
Sway Bar Bushing Kit
Strut Bellows (2)
Tie Rod Assembly
Bearing Grease F/Wheel Seals (2)

Thoughts?

Richard

 

[kid-jensen]

Richard1,

Are the bilstiens uprated ?

If so, be prepared for a much harder ride than you're used to. IMHO the Coupe is too hard riding already, so if you don't like it (and particularly if you plan to fit 17 inch wheels in the future) stick with standard.