Getting ready to do W463 front steering/suspension refirb

[gerryvz]

I recently noticed while under the front of my 1995 G320 that the rubber boots on the ball joints on the tie rod were totally torn, and the BJs looked dry inside. So, probably being original, I decided replacement was in order. I think there's a little more grease leakage out the swivel balls than is normal, as well.

After a fair bit of research, I just bought a number of new components from the MB Classic Center in preparation for replacement of the swivel ball seals, tie rod, drag link and steering shock. Some part numbers and such had changed, so I wanted to alert folks to a few things. I used the current EPC to order with its part numbers.

These should apply to quite a few W463 models. Reference #s per EPC diagram below.

• Steering shock, 50mm diameter (#50): Ordered 463 463 04 15. Received 240 460 01 66
• Split swivel ball gasket (#83): Ordered 460 331 03 80. Received same.
• Outside seal retaining ring (#77): Ordered 460 331 03 58. Received 463 335 00 58
• Drag link: Ordered 463 463 04 15. Receiving same (coming from Germany).
• Tie rod: Ordered 463 330 04 03 (#5). Receiving 460 330 07 03 (coming from Germany).
• Swivel ball seal staples (#80): Ordered 460 331 02 58. Receiving same (coming from Germany).
• Outside swivel ball gasket (#86): Ordered 460 331 00 80. Receiving same (coming from Germany).

Unlike a sedan, the G-wagen steering design only has a single tie-rod; like a car, it also has a single drag link, and one (giant) steering shock. The front suspension uses a Panhard rod setup for stabilisation (together with the conventional separate Bilstein shock + spring combo), which one would NEVER see on any type of sedan.

The steering shock, which was very very recently superseded (in fact, the on-line EPC isn't even showing this), was superseded to the same identical steering shock as used on the Maybach 57S. So it's good to know that I [will] have a Maybach part on my G.

Placed order on Monday, received parts Wednesday via FedEx. Parts from Germany should arrive by next Wednesday.

Of course, when this job is completed, the G-wagen is going to need a true "stealership" alignment. Though, there is a "string" method that is pretty accurate, that can be done....

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[joef]

subscribing

 

[gerryvz]

Over the weekend, I pulled out my grease gun. I cleaned up the swivel balls and pumped about 20 pumps into each side. I had not done this in the first two years of owning the truck, and want to see how much grease seepage is happening past the swivel ball swipe seals. They are designed to seep grease to keep the swivel ball chromed surfaces coated, and the MB factory spec is to check/replace grease every two years. I used a different color of grease so that I can see any seepage of the new grease. New swipe seals are part of the parts order that I received per above.

In addition, I greased all of the Zerk fittings on the front and rear driveshafts, including the two universal joints, using RedLine CV2 red synthetic grease. About 3-4 pumps per fitting was all that was needed.

The ball joint boots on the tie rod and drag link look pretty bad -- looking forward to getting the replacements from MB soon. I wonder how much a "stealership" alignment is going to cost me for a G-wagen, as compared to the ~$200 for a sedan....I'll have it done at my new local stealer, MB of The Woodlands.

It sure is nice being able to just get under the G to work on it, without having to jack it up

 

[samiam44]

Great grease.. You can usually see when you have fresh grease coming out without changing colors. The thickeners of all greases are not compatible and cause each other to break down... stick with one type.

About the best non-synthetic grease I've found is chevron Ultra. You can get 10 tubes on amazon for $24 delivered! Great stuff and is recommended by Spicer for their u-joints. I like the feel of cars and trucks right after greasing.

M

 

[gerryvz]

Funny, I just placed an order for the Chevron grease yesterday. I'm going to use that when I repack the swivel balls and inspect the rubber boots inside of them. Each swivel ball requires around two complete tubes of grease !!

 

[Klink]

Over the weekend, I pulled out my grease gun. I cleaned up the swivel balls and pumped about 20 pumps into each side. I had not done this in the first two years of owning the truck, and want to see how much grease seepage is happening past the swivel ball swipe seals. They are designed to seep grease to keep the swivel ball chromed surfaces coated, and the MB factory spec is to check/replace grease every two years. I used a different color of grease so that I can see any seepage of the new grease. New swipe seals are part of the parts order that I received per above.

In addition, I greased all of the Zerk fittings on the front and rear driveshafts, including the two universal joints, using RedLine CV2 red synthetic grease. About 3-4 pumps per fitting was all that was needed.

The ball joint boots on the tie rod and drag link look pretty bad -- looking forward to getting the replacements from MB soon. I wonder how much a "stealership" alignment is going to cost me for a G-wagen, as compared to the ~$200 for a sedan....I'll have it done at my new local stealer, MB of The Woodlands.

It sure is nice being able to just get under the G to work on it, without having to jack it up

Don't let 'em hose you too bad, Honch. G-wagen align is super simple. Nothing to adjust but front total toe in and and steering center...

 

[nocfn]

I reminded him in another post to wear a Roll Tide Roll Shirt, and he will be ok.

 

[gerryvz]

Don't let 'em hose you too bad, Honch. G-wagen align is super simple. Nothing to adjust but front total toe in and and steering center...

I think everyone on this forum should own a G-wagen. They just friggin' rock.

 

[texas993]

I think everyone on this forum should own a G-wagen. They just friggin' rock.

 

[gerryvz]

Made alignment appointment at MBOTW for a week from this Friday.