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.

[@1mindiy]

Your data is really helpful.
Anti Roll Bar Droplink replacement video you say
Anti Roll Bar Link - 85Nm
Lower Air Strut Mounting - 95Nm + 45 degs
In this video
Suspension Arm to Drop Link 85 Nm
Drop Link to Anti Roll Bar 130 Nm
Which figure is correct?

[@mercedes_and_more]

The figures in the video description are 100% correct and taken from the workshop manual. I think the narrative on the video and the way I describe is at odds with the text so I’ll do better next time to be more accurate!

[@ianmowbray3284]

Very good explanation.

[@lamoorproduction550]

Here a link too same job with a torque parameter. For a complete tightness you need to tighten a wheel and lift down a car so it stands on a wheel, to tighten some bolts to right torque.
How did you tighten those bolts with car on the ground? Asking because I need to replace a control arm and wondering how can I possibly do it?
Thanks.

[@mercedes_and_more]

I jacked up the bottom of the hub/control arm to replicate wheel on the ground as I don’t have a lift

[@lamoorproduction550]

@@mercedes_and_more that is a good idea to measure from central of wheel to understand how long is it from middle point even when a car is jacked.
I mentioned that your arm is different, I think it’s because of air suspension. Mine have no pin on it.

[@lamoorproduction550]

Do you feel any difference? I mean that some people saying that they can feel differently I comfort. Aftermarket parts can make feeling of worse comfort.

[@mercedes_and_more]

The steering wheel felt more connected to the wheels! No real difference from the original but I think the HD parts are more about not wearing out so quickly?

[@lamoorproduction550]

@@mercedes_and_more i don’t know. Finding on google different opinions about Meyle HD. Some people talking about a good quality other have some issues with Meyle and recommending the Lemförder instegs as an original Mercedes arm manufacturer.
The fact is that I need to change mine and Swedish prices of control arms have a lot of differences even when it comes to Meyle HD

[@mercedes_and_more]

@@lamoorproduction550 OE is lemforder. Also heard mixed about Meyle standards for replacement parts especially those made in china. HD are still made in Germany and for me were about the same price as Lemforder (MB was twice the price for a reboxed lemdorder part!) so HD it was. Look very well made

[@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...