W126 Mercedes gets New Steering - Tie Rods, Drag Link, Damper, Idler Bushing, etc. 1990 560SEL

UPDATE! As of February 2023, Mercedes appears to have LH tie rods IN STOCK! See below for parts links!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro and Parts Needed Overview
02:42 - LH Tie Rod Removal / Inspection
05:27 - LH Tie Rod Rebuild Steps
08:07 - Center Drag Link and Damper Removal
10:40 - Drag Link Initial Mockup
11:05 - New M10x1.0 Locknuts
11:53 - Installing Center Link and Damper
15:05 - Idler Bushings Replacement Overview
18:02 - LH Tie Rod Installation
19:36 - RH Tie Rod Removal and Install
23:26 - Alignment Notes
24:27 - Conclusion
Today we have video showing how to replace all of the major steering linkage components on a W126 Mercedes, this one being a 1990 560 SEL. We show how to replace the Left Hand and Right Hand tie rod assemblies, including rebuliding one of the tie rods with new ends. Then we show how to replace the steering damper and center drag link. Finally, we go over steps to replace the idler bushings.
PARTS AND TOOLS:
Note that we link to parts and tools we have used or would buy as alternatives. Any links to Amazon will use our Affiliates link and Vortex Garage may get a smal commission. That said many of these parts links will be outside of Amazon as they aren't the best place to find everything...
PARTS:
NOTE: These parts are what we used on this 1990 560 SEL - you need to validate the parts will fit your specific car!
From MBPartsUSA ( All these are Genuine Mercedes, usually shipped from a local dealer)
Center Link - Mercedes-Benz (126-460-08-05)
mbparts.mbusa.com/oem-parts/m...
LH Tie Rod Assembly - Mercedes-Benz (126-330-05-03)
IN STOCK Feb 2023!
mbparts.mbusa.com/oem-parts/m...
RH Tie Rod Assembly - Mercedes-Benz (126-330-06-03)
mbparts.mbusa.com/oem-parts/m...
Steering Damper / Shock Absorber - Mercedes-Benz (000-463-51-32-64)
mbparts.mbusa.com/oem-parts/m...
LockNuts:
I could not find original MB part numbers for these, and they don't come with the MB genuine parts. Here's a link to a site I often order fasteners. You'll need 6 at bare minimum but I'd advise to get extras.
I'll also share 8.8 (which I used and are fine) or 10.9 class (stronger, I'd use if available but 8.8's are fine)
M10x1.0 Nyloc Nut, Steel, Class 8.8
www.boltdepot.com/Product-Det...
(Feb 2023 Price: $0.44/each, or 50 for $14.88)
M10x1.0 Nyloc Nut, Steel, Class 10.9
www.boltdepot.com/Product-Det...
(Feb 2023 prices: $0.82/each, next bulk size is 100 at about $58)
Alternative Parts Links:
Steering Damper / Genuine Mercedes:
www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...
RH Tie Rod Assembly / Genuine Mercedes:
www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...
Center Drag Link
www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...
The Parts we used to rebuild the LH side tie rod, since a full assembly was not avaialble:
Lemforder Tie Rod End LH / Left Thread
www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...
Lemforder Tie Rod End LH / Right Thread
www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...
TOOLS:
GEARWRENCH Ball Joint Separator - 3916D
This is the larger one I used for most of the joints - have had for several years.
amzn.to/3YuGWvX
ARES 12104-19mm Universal Tie Rod End Tool (Cheaper Tool)
This looks similar to the one I used for some of the joints, I think mine is out of an older HF kit, but this looks like the right tool:
amzn.to/3lC9W6x
OTC 7315A Universal Tie Rod End Remover (Better / Pricier)
This is a better version of the tie rod remover, OTC tools are usually much higher grade. Twice the price but will last you a long time.
amzn.to/3EtVZ15
GEARWRENCH 5 Pc. Front End Service Set - 41690
If you don't have any of these tools, getting a full kit is a good way to go, plus more tools for future projects
amzn.to/3XoR4oE
Allen Wrench - if you have Ikea furniture, you may be able to find a 5mm allen wrench from those! But, if you need one, you may want to just get a cheap set like this:
Amazon Basics Hex Key Allen Wrench Set with Ball End - Set of 26
amzn.to/40Sk5fl
or this better quality Tekton unit:
TEKTON Hex Key Wrench Set, 13-Piece (1.27-10 mm) | 25242
amzn.to/3K8Y1aw
Due to the positioning of the joints you don't want a long T-handle one, which won't fit for some.
Torque Wrench:
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench (10-80 ft.-lb.) 24330
amzn.to/3XtBc43
Pickle Forks:
OTC Set I use, also works with pneumatics:
OTC 4559 Manual/Pneumatic Pickle Fork Set
amzn.to/3XpXEuV
Single Tie Rod Fork / GEARWRENCH 12" Tie Rod Separator - 2288D
amzn.to/3xmtcHF

[@pavevbogovev4045]

Excellent quality and video production. Very helpful

[@howardgilbert5008]

Great video!

[@VortexGarage]

Thanks!

[@daveyvane9431]

Thank you!

[@Frank-bg6xz]

Shoot, only 5 years ago all of these parts were in stock. I still have new genuine ones I bought back in 2018. Covid certainly was the excuse for manufacturers to go cheap and discontinue stuff, shame.

[@MrRjnr]

I'm hoping to have similar work done on my W116 next year...kinda surprising that Lemfoerder parts were made in China 😐

[@hernanreyes2115]

How many hours should this job take? Thanks!

[@compu85]

The condition of that car is just amazing. Mine looks like it was parked in the ocean in comparison.
You might talk the owner into putting cosmoline / fluid film all over the bottom of the car and steering parts. They're only this nice once!
Good call on the idler arm bushings.

[@VortexGarage]

I need to ask him about the underside cleaning - I saw that on some of the invoices it had from prior work. I wonder if it was dry ice cleaned it looks so spotless - or, it's simply that clean! Just not used to seeing things that spotless either.

[@charlestimmis273]

Can you kindly provide your contact on youtube or on your website. Thank you for the great work...

[@VortexGarage]

We usually chat with folks over comments, as I don't have an open shop - most of what we do is mine, or family and friends. But - we do have an email at [e-mail] Thanks!