front end

[bjudd]

what is the best way to approach a neglected front end in terms of sequence?  All of these need attention.

Shocks, tie rods, alignment, tires, engine mounts, etc?

thanks

bjudd
1969 280 SL 5 sp

[George Davis]

Assuming alignment isn't such a big issue that it needs to corrected immediately, it should come last, because most of these things affect alignment.  Also assuming the subframe mounts are old, my suggestion is:

Step 1: Subframe mounts, motor mounts and shocks.  Easy to do motor mounts and shocks while doing subframe mounts.

Step 2: Tie rod ends, drag link, cross brace bushings if needed.

Step 3: Alignment

This also assumes that control arm pivots and king pins are generally ok.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[enochbell]

As George says "assuming the control arm pivots (bushings) are OK" my advice is to check these.  Search the archives and you will find a discussion on diagnosing king pin vs. wheel bearing vs. control arm bushing wear.  I found my lower/outer were worn, went ahead and did the uppers while I was in there, they are not that bad to R&R.  The inner bushings are more difficult but if you decide to do them it makes the subframe bushing replacement an absolute breeze.

As an aside, this was one of the most satifying repairs in terms of payback in "smiles per mile".  These cars are an absolute delight when properly set up and with a tight front suspension.

Best,

g

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

[bjudd]

thank you both for the direction.  What kind of time is involved in  the complete list you've described?  Can it all be done on with the car floor jacks?  How much difference would it be to be on a lift?  In other words, is it time to pay for someone elses time and shop?

bjudd
1969 280 SL 5 sp

[enochbell]

Floor jacks will suffice for the entire job, in fact they are necessary in realigning the control arms to get the bushings back in.

It took me a good three days to complete this, but it was my first trip through the front end (and I did the rear shocks also).  Next time around I could do it in 1 day.  The extra time was spent cleaning 42 years of gunk from everywhere, replacing the brake line that I broke (frozen nut on the rigid line that bends around the king pin), learning how to properly set the float on the king pin, and driving myself crazy realigning the lower control arm bushing in the control arm.

That said, if you are not doing the control arm bushings the job will take less than a day, and there are very few opportunities to break or screw things up.  There are plenty of posts on the board to help with each job.

Best,

g

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon