Mercedes Control Arm replacement - MEYLE HD Upgrade (W205/W213/A238/C238)

In this video I replace the rear of the two lower suspension arms on the front suspension; in Mercedes speak it is called Rear Spring Control Arm. This video is applicable to all AIRMATIC (air suspension) cars. For non AIRMATIC equipped cars the design of the conventional shock absorber means the lower join and the anti roll (sway) bar drop link is slightly different but the method of change is exactly the same.
I replaced it having realised that the joints were worn when replacing other suspension components, however, it was noticeable that the steering input was a little vague with a degree of free play between turning the steering wheel and the wheels turning. It is widely reported that original arms can wear out in as little as 50k km (30k miles).
This MEYLE HD part has a larger ball joint than the original part which should reduce the wear rate as the it means that the internal friction surfaces are larger and thicker. Only time will tell but the price difference between this and the OE LEMFORDER part is negligible.
Part Numbers: 016 050 0160/HD - Right 016 059 0161/HD - Left
Torque Settings:
Suspension Arm to Steering Knuckle: 250 Nm
Suspension Arm to Sub Frame 120 Nm + 180 deg
Suspension Arm to Airmatic Strut 95 Nm + 45 deg
Suspension Arm to Drop Link 85 Nm
Drop Link to Anti Roll Bar 130 Nm

[@weepz]

Great video and thank you for posting the torque specs too! Major help.

[@ianmowbray3284]

Very good explanation.

[@AW-zg5yw]

Danke, wieviel km hat das Auto schon?

[@mercedes_and_more]

155k km. But i now know they were finished a long time ago. Steering feels much tigher 👍

[@defacto8408]

Did you had clucking noise on steering wheel, when ypu are in place parked turning left/right ??

[@mercedes_and_more]

@@defacto8408 a little bit, but I’ve always had that since new! Decision to replace was based on the state of the joints when I was replacing the sway bar/anti roll bar drop links.

[@defacto8408]

@@mercedes_and_more i am having problem when steering left full turn, i feel grinding on my steering wheel, and also cluncking sound (bum,bum,bum) when i turn and hit a higher ground or bump...