Front Control Arm.....can I find at junkyard.....???

[mbeclass]

Front Control Arm is broken and the repair estimate is 320 ( parts) plus 2 hours labor ( @ 105 ) ...for a 1990 w124


can I find this cheap at junkyard ???

[gregs210]

My sympathies, MBE.

While you might find it at a junkyard, you'd still have to get a ball joint, typically they're ruined by pulling them out. You'd also have to get new bushings. If it was cheap enough that might be okay in the long run, the ball joints are pretty inexpensive even at retail (should be around $30) and the bushing set for one arm should be about the same price. The only other concern would be whether it's a weakness in the original design, then maybe a new one would be better.

If the place will let you supply the part, autohausaz.com sells it new with the ball joint and bushings already installed for $218, free shipping in the US.

Were it me, I'd have to basically be getting the used one free for the time and trouble of ordering the ball joint and bushings and then paying the shop to install those as well as the assembled arm.

Last thought: if you're somewhat handy, have a decent set of tools and a spring compressor, you can do it yourself.

Anyway, good luck and enjoy the ride,
Greg

[mbeclass]

"Were it me, I'd have to basically be getting the used one free for the time and trouble of ordering the ball joint and bushings and then paying the shop to install those as well as the assembled arm."

thanks,

actually i got a new one non-oem just have to wait for shipping. can I find the parts locally, autozone ?

[gregs210]

Hey, MBE.

I haven't had much luck finding anything for my benz at any of the regular discount parts places (autozone, kragen/checker, pep boys, etc.). Other than a couple of bulbs (they don't carry anything beyond the headlight/foglight since they're regular halogens) and 0W40 Mobil1, there's not much there. Not even air and oil filters.

That said they may be able to special order the ball joint and bushings, you'd have to call to find out. All of them have web sites, a couple will tell you if they have something in stock or if it's a special order. Partsamerica (kragen/checker) will let you order on line and pick up at a store if they don't have it in stock.

As far as a true local source you can try NAPA, but they're almost as expensive as the dealer. From what I saw on the web, the ball joint and bushings aren't significantly more expensive at the dealer, so hopefully the bite won't be too much after all.

Good luck!
Greg

[Teutone]

autohausaz, cheap, fast, reliable and free shipping for any order over $ 50. I have friends in the car part import and wholesale business. I found some of autohaus arizonas prices to be below local wholesale, never mind retail. Horst K
BTW, it might help to include a location in your profile.

[benztech81381]

hey your father told u the wrong info
it is 320 dollars for the part and 2hours labor at 50/hr. if u were to have gone through my dealer it would be 105/hr but i work at 50/hr.