OK, so I am having some front end problems with my '85 240DL. Don't know a whole lot about suspension/front end parts, but here are the problems: pulls to the right, even though I have the alignment dead on. Also, hear a "popping" sound coming from the right, usually when I hit a bump, and the car shudders at > 50 mph, but only when turning to the left, not the right. Also, noticed that the inner face of the left front tire is badly worn. And, when I stand over the engine compartment and compress the right strut, can replicate the popping noise on the way up, and also hear a strong "sliding" or rubbing noise from the right strut. Both the popping and rubbing are absent from the left strut. The tie rod ends have recently been replaced (just got the car). Are these signs of a bad right strut, or something else? If so, what sort of money am I looking at to do it myself, or to have it done professionally? Thanks!

Terrence -

Her's a couple of checks. Good that the tie rod ends are new. The tie rods themselves have another joint on the inner end, hidden inside the rubber boot. If the boot becomes open, road dirt will eventually ruin the inner joint.

(1) With the front wheel off the ground, grab the wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, and wobble it back and forth. Lots of play means that tie rods are the problem.

(2) Grab at noon and 6 o'clock and wobble. Play means front wheel bearings need checking, re-packing, maybe replacement.

There are checks for the ball joints, too. Get a helper to wobble the wheel while you look at the steering linkage, and see what gives.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

OK... sounds like the strut is shot. Also check the strut tower condition if there are a lot of rust problems in your area. Are you planning on keeping the car a long time? If so, replace both struts (if the cash is handy) if they both have lots of miles as a matched pair will likely perform better in the long run. Also check your front suspension bushings. Heavy wear on the rubber bushings can cause vibrations, pulling, etc.

Kevin

OK... that is what I pretty much figured. Checked the play in the wheel per a previous post (thanks!!), and found essentially no play when grabbing the wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. However, found a barely perceptable play when grabbing at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. Took the wheel off and checked the bearings. Pulled cotter pin, tightened the nut, then backed it off and re-tightened by fingers only... replaced cotter pin, no change (maybe they need re-packing? or is a small amount of play normal?). Anyway, regarding the strut towers, they were a bit rusty. How would I check my front suspension bushings? Thanks in advance!

There are several fron end bushings... There is a rubber bushing about 3" in diameter at the rear of the "A" arm back in the frame. See if the bolt is centered in there or if it is sitting lower. The rubber deteriorates with time/use and starts to fall apart. If it is sitting low in the bushing thats a pretty good indicator of a 'mush' bushing.

terrence-

i had the exact same problem. i did/tried everything suggested except one: have you had the tires balanced and front aligned?? my front end would hobble and bounce at highway speeds and i was determined that it was bushing or shocks/struts. i ignored the posts about alignment and balance until i exhausted everything else. do you notice ANY pull to one side or other on the interstate (no matter how slight??) if you do, get the car aligned (thrust alignment is what you should need) and have the wheels balanced. this was a total investment of about 70$$ and it was the trick that solved my woes. try this before you go through the investment of everything else.

good luck.