W220 S430L Caster Arms

[DJBCatlett]

I have just had my 1999 S430L serviced at a main dealer and they have told me that a need to have both of my "caster arms" replaced and a full alignment carried out. The parts cost almost £200 each and the alignment is £800+VAT, then the labour needs to be added.

This all seems rather a lot to me and l would like to purchase the parts and carry out the work myself, however, l don't recognise the term "Caster Arm". Is there a name for this part that the rest of the world use so that l can source the parts? Or, could someone recommend a place to get them?

Many thanks,

David...

 

[television]

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.632&CT=F&cat=66H&SID=33&SGR=030&SGN=01

I have never heard of the word or item,the pic above shows most of it. What is the problem and where are you based.

Malcolm

 

[daveenty]

I can only think of a *caster arm* being the track control arm?

One of the few things which could alter castor angle?

 

[DJBCatlett]

Thanks for your prompt replies. I have had a look at the diagram and it appears to be item 65 and 67 the left and right struts. Do you know of a better description for this part and where l can get it? I am based in the South-East in North-West Kent (Rochester).

Thanks again,

David...

 

[television]

They are called struts, you must use an indie to get the price down to a sensible level.

OK buy the parts and have it set up after, I think the price quoted was too high just for the bits.

I do not know if it has to be set up after changing them without looking it up.

If you do fancy doing it yourself and would like any more info,just ask

Malcolm

 

[type49]

They can be refered to as castor arms as they are the forward facing arms, which, depending on the position of the offset fixing bolts, will adjust the castor. If the ball joints are OK but just the bushes worn, these can be renewed much cheaper. It sounds like they want to check the geometry as a precaution so as you don't complain about tyre wear at a later date. To set a car up correctly (geometry) can be time consuming but £800 is robbery. They should be able to easily do a full check ( not adjust ) in 30-40mins. If it's all in spec after the new parts are fitted, then job finished.

 

[DJBCatlett]

Thanks for your advice chaps. I am afraid that l have to ask what an "indie" is? I have tried sourcing this part from a couple of local Motor Factors, but they aren't able to supply it. I am starting to get a bit stuck as to where to try next.

 

[Blobcat]

Indie = Independent Mercedes Specialist. Buy the parts from MB then find an Indie and have him fit them. As per above.

 

[Blobcat]

Indie = Independant Mercedes Specialist. Buy the parts form MB then find an Indie and have him fit them. As per above.

 

[type49]

Thanks for your advice chaps. I am afraid that l have to ask what an "indie" is? I have tried sourcing this part from a couple of local Motor Factors, but they aren't able to supply it. I am starting to get a bit stuck as to where to try next.

"Independant" - specialising in Mercedes but not a dealer. Usually use genuine MB parts, half the labour cost & would have had previous dealer experience. Where abouts are you & maybe someone could recommend a good local "indie".

 

[television]

As Blobcat, only from an MB dealer,cheaper than you think.

Malcolm

 

[type49]

Blobcat beat me to it! Too slow at typing. I need a secretery.