Bent drag link

[rucraig]

Check this out. Ever since I bought my 500e I was unhappy about the steering - just never seemed right despite alignments etc.

The car is currently in the workshop getting a ton of work done, including front suspension and steering refresh including a new PS gearbox. The workshop just sent me a photo of the old (on the left) vs the new draglink. I think this answers the question of why my S124 e320 always felt like it ran on rails compared to the 500e!

We're scratching our collective heads as to how the old draglink could get bent like it is. HAs anyone else seen this before?

 

[TerryA]

That would definitely be a problem. I’ve never seen one like that. Maybe the PO hit a curb or pothole really hard.

 

[rucraig]

That would definitely be a problem. I’ve never seen one like that. Maybe the PO hit a curb or pothole really hard.

That's a possibility.

 

[gsxr]

Looks more rotated, than bent. Still really strange.

 

[rucraig]

Yes. Going to take a good look at it next week. Engine hopefully running by then

 

[emerydc8]

I wish I could find the picture when my wife hit a curb about 15 years ago and in addition to trashing the lower control arm it bent the center link to about 60 degrees right in the center. I’m thinking it was a designed weak point to absorb impact. The tire was toe-out probably 20 degrees. I changed the LCAs, center link, inner and outer tie rod ends, steering damper and wheel bearings and it has been fine since.

 

[rucraig]

Thanks. Consensus that something like this may have happened is growing.

Fortunately, there's no evidence of any chassis or panel damage, so a hard curb or pothole hit seems the most likely explanation.

 

[emerydc8]

You might want to measure the distance between the rear of the front tire and the leading edge of the fender. Compare both sides. If it was hit hard enough that distance could be reduced.

 

[rucraig]

After all the mechanical work, the car is off to a body shop for repair of minor driver side fender damage.

 

[rucraig]

This fender will be coming off. Think I'll get them to remove the passenger side as well, so that everything can be fully inspected, cleaned, and any rust can be rectified etc.