Hi guys...

Trying to locate/squash some clunks in the front-ends of my 240s. How often do these components need to be renewed given normal use? When should tie-rod ends and balljoints be replaced (e.g. every XX miles)? How do I check for play?

On the '84, have general clunking in the front end. Don't know exactly how to describe it. Just makes a lot of noise ('pop', 'clunk', 'pop', 'clunk') and the steering is really loose. I'm getting a lot of feedback from the road in the wheel, but no excessive play. Assumed that my rack took a dump, but it isn't leaking like the original did before it was replaced. Ball joints are original from the factory @ 286K miles. Tie-rod ends have about 120K on 'em. Is that about their life expectancy? Had the car up on a rack at the shop and guy is telling my that the struts are worn out (Bilsteins) and wants to put in new cartridges, but they aren't barely 2 yrs old. I recall replacing the bushings in the rear (trailing arm, panhard rod and all that rot) but all of the front bushings are original AFAIK. Is there any way to check these for excessive wear? They don't look totally shot (e.g. huge ass cracks in the rubber/plastic material like the trailing arm bushings I pulled outta' the back) but I dunno.

'85 has a distinct clunk on the left side of the car only. Steering is totally normal. Thinking tie-rod end, but again not sure how to check.

Any ideas/advice?

I bow humbly to the gurus,

Rob