What is a caster bucket ?

Hi smallchange,

I purchased the MB CDs off a vendor on EBay, just so I know if there is some job I can do, or if I really should get someone else with the specialized knowledge and special tools to do the work. Years ago, I spoke 'fluent Volvo' at several V. dealerships in & around Boston. I've little experience w Mercedes-benz, save the year plus I've had my 560.

For repair work (quite a bit last driving season) I'm pleased with the results I've gotten at Smith Motor Sales up in Haverhill, off Rte 495. That is a real hike from Boston (93N > 495N > Haverhill) for you.
There is an MB dealership much closer to me in Natick, MA (off 9 West) where I had a somewhat expensive & less than acceptable service experience. Having spent many years in high line European auto service: it is hard to trust someone else to do the service work correctly and not take shortcuts at my expense. At Smith Motors I feel I have an excellent working relationship with both the Parts & Service departments.

I take it, you're not going back to Chambers.... ?

For MB service closer to you, I'd ck with Cars.com > CarTalk section. I'd look at their 'MechanXfiles' section. Look for an MB shop, probably across the river in Cambridge or Somerville. See if you can find a tech with grey hair. Yup, I said that. He'll be more likely to have had much more W126 experience than a younger person. All the shops listed will have ratings (& have been recommended) by the shops' own customers. []

You will spend some $$ getting that work done. You won't regret it, if your experience was anything like mine. It'll tighten things up quite a bit.

Couldn't hurt, Good Luck, MBL

MBL you have been a great help to me i just ordered the Cd's your pictures let me know just what i'm looking for, my car runs great I only feel a small shimmer at high speeds 68+ (just enough to drive me crazy) lol Chamber wants $2,499 parts and labor for all the work above there service sucked thay had the car for 5 days. my mechanic at European Car Doctor across from the fenway ballpark is good, all he fixes is European high end cars. he just busy as hell at $65.hr I think i'll that it back to him this week i hope. i'll let all know how she running after i get it repaired...$$$$$$$$$...but that the price we pay for being Benz lovers........smallchange

Hi smallchange,

Installed at Smith (figure includes Parts & Labor *NO sales tax & 'shop supplies'):

One Caster Bucket Joint $426.
Alignment & set ride height: $110.
Car freshly washed & dried when picked up. N/C

The steering stabilizer shock is easily a 2 nut (unless you count yourself, making it 3) DIY job & the part is $24 from GermanStar - one of our benzworld sponsors.

http://www.germanstar.net/Mercedes_Parts_Catalog.html

Cheesh, man, Good Luck MBL