What to replace

[chrisquay]

Hi all,

After taking my 1999 230 CLK in for a health check at the local dealers I was given a report saying I need to change front ball joint, rear brake hoses (corroded), rear disc and pads and also replace the seals on my leaking rear diff. I was also told steering damper but that it should be ok??

I don’t have full history and because the dealer badly misdiagnosed another fault badly I’m going to buy the Febi parts from the internet and get my local mechanic to do the work.

My query is there any other work I should have done while this work is being done. I would hate for someone to say 3 months down the line if something else goes “you should have had X done while the diff was out “ etc

Also I’m told the reason my ball joints have worn is that I inherited 19inch wheels on the car which I going to change, I’ve seen some 16inch Mercedes ones second hand
Front: 205/55 R16
Rear: 225/50 ZR16
Off a 2000 model SLK Kompressor. Does anyone know if these will go straight on?

Sorry one last question is it worth the extra cost of having Febi disc and pads or will standard disc and pads do an equal job

Thank you in advance for any help

Kind regard’s
Chris

 

[television]

Hello and welcome,, the size of the wheel does not cause extra wear on the front steering joints, as the sidewall height is reduced to compensate, I would also fit standard parts, as the others do not last any longer

 

[Quickbrit]

Coincidently, I just did brakes on the front - standard rotors and pads, but I also upgraded the brake lines all round to steel braided ones.

I didn't want overly aggressive brakes and resisted aftermarket rotors (as it happened they were back ordered anyway).

The stock set-up is now perfect with great feel.

MikeE

 

[MB TECH WARRINGTON]

Hello and welcome,, the size of the wheel does not cause extra wear on the front steering joints, as the sidewall height is reduced to compensate, I would also fit standard parts, as the others do not last any longer

id disagree, in terms of rolling circumference it may be the same, but a small sidewall height makes for a very harsh ride, thumps over bumps, crashes etc causing excessive wear on joints bushes, the 208 was designed for 17" in largest form on the clk55 amg.

a bigger sidewall gives a damping effect so to speak, far more compliant ride.

 

[MB TECH WARRINGTON]

Hi all,

After taking my 1999 230 CLK in for a health check at the local dealers I was given a report saying I need to change front ball joint, rear brake hoses (corroded), rear disc and pads and also replace the seals on my leaking rear diff. I was also told steering damper but that it should be ok??

I don’t have full history and because the dealer badly misdiagnosed another fault badly I’m going to buy the Febi parts from the internet and get my local mechanic to do the work.

My query is there any other work I should have done while this work is being done. I would hate for someone to say 3 months down the line if something else goes “you should have had X done while the diff was out “ etc

Also I’m told the reason my ball joints have worn is that I inherited 19inch wheels on the car which I going to change, I’ve seen some 16inch Mercedes ones second hand
Front: 205/55 R16
Rear: 225/50 ZR16
Off a 2000 model SLK Kompressor. Does anyone know if these will go straight on?

Sorry one last question is it worth the extra cost of having Febi disc and pads or will standard disc and pads do an equal job

Thank you in advance for any help

Kind regard’s
Chris

hi chris



chris, im presume im correct in thinking i know who you are,
it was your steering idler bush which has very slight play,
not the damper.
as per febi parts, just buy standard brakes. will be totally up to the job.


your ball joints are dangerous, get them done asap,
brake hoses are perished,, mot failure.
whilst your diff is out not much to do other than change all 3 seals.

the slk alloys should be fine.

how did it drive on the way home. hope everything was ok.