W203 suspension (again)

[trapper]

Has anyone found a way of fixing W203 front roll bar links and bushes? I am about to have the third set in 70k miles! I thought that using Lemforder links and nylon bushes might do it. Can anyone recommend alternative bushes from experience of this application?

 

[zishan03]

I thought mercedes upgraded them at some point because they kept failing.

I think that is true, dont hold me to it though.


Zishan

 

[philharve]

Has anyone found a way of fixing W203 front roll bar links and bushes? I am about to have the third set in 70k miles! I thought that using Lemforder links and nylon bushes might do it. Can anyone recommend alternative bushes from experience of this application?

Hi trapper

Why has it been necessary to change these items so often? The standard components are capable of quite high mileages. My W202 is still on the original set at 100k. If there is a problem/weakness with their design, you've come to the right place to seek an answer. Have you performed a 'search' as I'm sure I read a thread covering this particular problem.

REGARDS Phil

 

[robbi-wan]

Has anyone found a way of fixing W203 front roll bar links and bushes? I am about to have the third set in 70k miles! I thought that using Lemforder links and nylon bushes might do it. Can anyone recommend alternative bushes from experience of this application?

Hi trapper,
Have u replaced the failed bushes with ones of the same size?
There is a mod applicable to W203 Anti roll links which involves fitting bigger bushes which are up to the job. Your local indie should be able to give more info. 3 sets in 70k miles seems a hell of a lot .....
rob
PS. Mine were changed at 125k and it is much better for it

 

[trapper]

W203 front roll bars

Thanks all of you for replying. Brief history: my 2001 W203 C200K saloon (bought late 2000) is quite an early one. Roll bar fixed under warranty and again about 18 months ago (at my expense), it now needs doing again. My dealer's engineer advised that all these cars are subject to wear in these components and that MB regard it as acceptable. What happened to the pre-production testing?? I bought my wife a W203 C220 CDi estate in 2002 and the same thing happened, so it got sold after a warranty fix.

I have got some links (not on yet) made by Lemforder (available thru Euro Car Parts) with nylon bushes for the W203, and will replace the other bushes at the same time. I will either use MB ones if they have been updated, or try Polybush or other retailer for nylon ones.
If I can't get this fixed, the car goes and I'll never have another Merc.

 

[robbo]

Your front thrust arm bushes will probably need doing soon as well. Got mine done recently and the car is miles better.

 

[Scooby Don't]

Hi Trapper,
I have just had the drop links replaced on my C270 estate at 50k miles. MB footed the bill under warranty (one of the few benefits of a dealer sourced car with full service history). The dealer's reaction was that the bushes were "slightly worn" even though over anything other than a smooth surface it sounded like a castanet player with Parkinsons.

I am not sure if the items were replaced with upgraded versions but I hope so because the originals are laughably flimsy. Three sets in 70k sounds a bit extreme. Are you into off roading?

 

[T60LAA]

c220 cdi elegance 2001 w203 knocking noise

can anybody help ,just got this c220 about a month ago with only 45k drives well, but when i turn to the right i get a knocking noise under my feet and i can feel it it in the steering wheel as any body had the same problem
thanks tony.

 

[c32lover]

just had mine replace.....2004 C32 AMG. 27000 miles!!