Extreme unstable ride?

[killermule]

Hey Guys,


So I have been driving the mb around quite a bit lately through the hills at 80+, and when she is roaring along the wheel starts shaking back and forward around 1cm, and sometimes hitting bumps and cracks (yes, road cracks) it feels like the car jumps left and/or right. So the car doesnt slide any wheels, but it will suddenly throw both and my girlfriend back and forward. If I didnt know better it kind of feels like a wheel is loose. I have checked all that obviously, is this just a normal thing for a mighty boy or is this really dangerous?

I havent yet pulled off the wheels and had a look at it, I need to source a cheap jack, but will be soon, was hoping someone can let me know what I am looking for.


Thanks,
Sam.

[Billie]

Play in rack end, tie rods, wheel bearings, worn bushes, wheels need balancing. Just have to jack her up and see what you find.

[killermule]

Thanks, those are exactly what I was after Didnt have a clue what was there so that gives me what I need. Guess I will just try replace it all

[arklan]

So I have been driving the mb around quite a bit lately through the hills at 80+

going up hill my boy would max out around 65 with a passenger

[Brayden]

The ute is 25+ years old - if you haven't replaced any bushes/ball joints/etc then they'll be knackered.

[killermule]

So I have been driving the mb around quite a bit lately through the hills at 80+

going up hill my boy would max out around 65 with a passenger

I mean 'hills' as in just in adelaide hills. Most uphills that I am doing have an almost equal downhill that allows me to pick up enough speed haha. But the speed limit is 80 and the boy sites around the 80 mark most the time with a passenger and can hit 90-100 when it straightens up for a bit.

The ute is 25+ years old - if you haven't replaced any bushes/ball joints/etc then they'll be knackered.

Yeh I figured there would be a tonne of stuff like that needing replacing, just didnt know what was there I had to buy

[KEVIN]

Try booking it in at a PEDDERS store for the $14.00 - 28 point check if they will do it, Should give you a good starting point.

[Brayden]

The end result of a Pedders safety check is unsurprisingly a quote for around $2000 of repairs.

Actually to replace the full set of bushes and suspension on an MB would probably cost the best part of $1200.

[killermule]

$1200 for DIY or getting someone like pedders to do it?

Would love to DIY if it isnt to hard, know a couple mechanic guys that could help out..

[Billie]

They dont come much more simple than a mighty boy, mcpherson struts up front and leafs in the back. Control arms 90, rear bushes 30. front bushes 30. Front shocks, depends what way you go anywhere from 60-600. Rear shocks about 60 a side. Tre 40, not sure on rack ends. Wheel bearings expensive if you cant do it yourself (best to use a press, not a hammer lol).

[Brayden]

Billie those sound like trade prices. Retail is substantially more. My figure of $1200 is parts only if bought retail.

Control arms - $120pr
Rear bushes - $60 full set (urethane)
Front bushes - $200 full set (urethane)
Front upper strut mounts - $200pr
Front springs - $160pr (King Springs)
Front struts - $300pr (Matiz)
Rear shocks - $180pr (Monroe)
Tie rod ends - $110pr

[Billie]

Those were what I paid (no trade discount). I should probably of used my trade card. Forgot about strut tops, i need a pair of them.

[KEVIN]

Settle down Guys. I used to manage a Pedders store I wasn't suggesting to get them to fix it just get a report then there are enough Knowledgable members on the forum to help with information. Be aware that Pedders are specialists so they do tend to go over the top

[Billie]

Well the pedders near me are very special, they bag everything, either they want to rip you off or dont know how to check components so bag them. I did buy my shocks from them, pretty cheap.

[killermule]

Billie I am all ears as to where you bought your gear from

I want to do it as cheaply as possible, as most people, and would definitely love to hear of the parts sources that offer the prices you are talking about.