I'm about to start some front suspension work on my '93 940T Wagon. My online parts supplier has a listing for a control arm stay and bushing that reduces brake vibrations. Does anyone have any experience with this. Should I get it, or just replace the bushings on the original?

The following is how the parts are listed:

CONTROL ARM STAY: (LH or RH (diagonal arm)see NOTE)
This control arm stay is 388.5mm in length and is a service alterntive to be used (with special outer bushing #6819057) to reduce brake vibrations. The inner bushing on this stay is an integral part of the stay and is not replaceable separately, but only as part of the stay.

CONTROL ARM STAY BUSHING: (front suspension outer bush from stay to LH or RH control arm(2 per whl) see NOTE!!
This bushing is used on vehicles with factory original control arm stays. Depending on model and wheel size, these control arm stays can be of the following lengths: 385mm, 390.5mm, or 396mm. Stays that are 388.5mm in length are replacements with a special inner bushing designed to reduce brake vibration. Cars with 388.5mm stays should use outer bushing #6819057 instead.
In addition, if the inner bushings on the suspension (bushing #1273235 for the control arm plus bushing #1329655 for the control arm stay) show any ANY signs of wear, they MUST be replaced at the same time. Otherwise, premature failure of the outer bushings can result, which IS NOT covered under warranty.

Any info would be appreciated.

Jeff Pierce

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'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 Volvo Turbo Wagon (a family car w/flair), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)

The stays vary in length only to adjust caster angles: otherwise there is no difference. You should have no need to replace the stay itself unless your caster angle needs adjustment. To reduce brake vibrations, replace the bushings (specifically, the conical bushings at the front or control arm end.)

The listing for the "improved" part states that the bushing on the control arm end is "better", and that's what accounts for the decrease in brake vibration. (incedentally, the bushing is NOT replacable on its own, you must buy the whole stay)

Does any of this make sense? I've never heard of excessive brake vibration on these cars. (Unless it was caused by worn bushings or warped disks.)
Is it just me or does this sound like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist?

Jeff Pierce

--
'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 Volvo Turbo Wagon (a family car w/flair), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)

Sounds fishy. Is this part the one which goes from the lower control arm to the chassis? If so, the bushings are replaceable. I know, I did this job on my car. Check the FAQ for more info. You probably just need new conical bushings.
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Warren Bain - '86 744Ti M46 >290Kmi, '99 V70Glt > 45K mi, '96 965 >100Kmi Wifemobile near Manassas Va.. Check the 700/900 FAQ via the 'features' pull down menu.

What they're saying is that the factory original stay DOES have a replacable outer bushing. But that this "improved" stay has a "better" bushing that is, "an integral part of the stay, and is not replacable."
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'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 Volvo Turbo Wagon (a family car w/flair), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)