Suggests on good repair/replace (not including driver)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 55
From: CA
Suggests on good repair/replace (not including driver)
My 04 ML Sports is running well. Since I'll never get the chance to buy new, I'd appreciate suggestions on ways to restore quality of ride. I plan on replacing engine and transmission mounts to improve smoothness. Also seems like replacing tie rods (inner and outer) could tighten steering. Anything else in steering/front end? LCA's have been done. Sport shocks and sway bars seem good.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 55
From: CA
Mileage is 108. Doing a couple of trans D/F's did help. I generally can't feel the shifts. LOL an 01-03 will always be smoother. The 6 speed now shifts perfectly under hard acceleration
Any easy aftermarket improvements? May try ceramic brakes.
Had problems w/ slow tank fill for a couple of weeks. Now gone. Used a large bottle of fuel cleaner which may have helped (cleaner filter?).
Any easy aftermarket improvements? May try ceramic brakes.Had problems w/ slow tank fill for a couple of weeks. Now gone. Used a large bottle of fuel cleaner which may have helped (cleaner filter?).
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 248
From: AZ
The engine and transmission mounts were game changers when I swapped them, but my car had a lot more miles than yours, around 150k. After replacement, it was hard to tell the car was even idling without looking at the tachometer.
I'd only do a brake job if it needed it or your rotors are warped and you're getting feedback through the steering wheels. A change to ceramic pads is not going to really be felt, you'll just have less dust buildup on your wheels.
I would recommend replacing the outer tie rods at that age and mileage, but look up ways to test them and see if it needs it. You can jack up a wheel and see if there's play in it. Regardless, the car will have a much better handling feel and not have that "sloppy" feel after replacement. But if you're paying a shop to replace, it can get pricey.
If you're paying a shop to do all this, it adds up, so if you're not experiencing any issues, you may want to just enjoy it as is.
I'd only do a brake job if it needed it or your rotors are warped and you're getting feedback through the steering wheels. A change to ceramic pads is not going to really be felt, you'll just have less dust buildup on your wheels.
I would recommend replacing the outer tie rods at that age and mileage, but look up ways to test them and see if it needs it. You can jack up a wheel and see if there's play in it. Regardless, the car will have a much better handling feel and not have that "sloppy" feel after replacement. But if you're paying a shop to replace, it can get pricey.
If you're paying a shop to do all this, it adds up, so if you're not experiencing any issues, you may want to just enjoy it as is.
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