Mercedes Benz S 320 SWB (140.032) Radius Arm Costs
The average cost for a Mercedes Benz S 320 SWB (140.032) Radius Arm Replacement is between $82 - $152. Get an instant quote with our AI repair estimator.
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What is a radius arm?
The radius arm is a critical component of a vehicle’s suspension system, primarily used in older trucks and SUVs to control the motion of the suspension. The radius arm, also known as a radius rod or trailing arm, connects the axle to the frame or body of the vehicle to provide longitudinal stability and control the forward and backward movement of the axle. This mechanism ensures that the wheels continue to follow the path set by the steering system, even when the vehicle is moving over uneven surfaces. By maintaining the proper geometry of suspension movement, radius arms contribute significantly to the handling and comfort of the vehicle.
Symptoms of a damaged radius arm
A damaged or worn radius arm can significantly affect a vehicle's handling and safety. Some common symptoms include:
- Unstable handling: The vehicle may feel less stable and sway more during turns or when driving over uneven surfaces.
- Clunking noises: You might hear unusual clunks or thuds from the suspension, particularly when accelerating, braking, or going over bumps.
- Excessive tire wear: Damage or misalignment of the radius arm can lead to uneven or premature tire wear, caused by improper suspension geometry.
- Poor alignment: The vehicle may have difficulty maintaining proper alignment, leading to a 'pull' to one side while driving.
- Vibration: You could experience increased vibration in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle, particularly at higher speeds or while driving on rough terrain.
How urgent is radius arm replacement?
Replacing a damaged or worn radius arm is relatively urgent because it plays a crucial role in vehicle stability, handling, and safety. Ignoring the issue can worsen the symptoms, leading to increased wear on other suspension and steering components as well as tires. This, in turn, could lead to compromised vehicle performance and safety. Therefore, it is recommended to address any radius arm issues promptly to maintain optimal vehicle operation and prevent further damage.
How much does radius arm replacement cost?
The cost of replacing a radius arm typically varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle, labor rates, and the extent of wear on other related suspension components. Generally, the parts themselves can range from $100 to $300. Labor costs may add an additional $100 to $200, depending on how complicated the radius arm system is and the time required for installation. Additional costs might be incurred if other suspension components also require replacement.
5 FAQs about radius arms
- What role does a radius arm play in vehicle handling?
Radius arms help maintain proper suspension geometry, which is crucial for vehicle handling and stability. They prevent unwanted forward and backward movement of the axle and ensure that the wheels traverse uneven surfaces smoothly while maintaining alignment. - Can a faulty radius arm cause alignment issues?
Yes, a damaged or improperly functioning radius arm can lead to misalignment of the wheels. This misalignment can cause the vehicle to pull to one side and lead to uneven tire wear. - Is it safe to drive with a worn radius arm?
Driving with a worn or damaged radius arm is not advisable as it can negatively impact vehicle handling and stability, potentially leading to unsafe driving conditions and accelerated wear of other components. - How often should radius arms be inspected?
It is generally recommended to inspect the radius arms during regular vehicle maintenance and whenever symptoms of damage become apparent. Regular inspections can help catch wear early and prevent further damage. - What are the common causes of radius arm failure?
Common causes of radius arm failure include wear and tear from regular use, damage from hitting obstacles or potholes, and degradation due to weather and road conditions. Exposure to moisture and road salt can also contribute to rust and weakening of the component over time.
Dev Output
1999 Mercedes Benz S 320 SWB (140.032) L6-3.2L (104.994) - Radius Arm Costs
Parts: $20.00Labor: $21.00{ "partPrice": 20, "laborPrice": 21, "alldata_id": 44150, "alldata_vehicle_id": 44150, "title": "Radius Arm", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "part": [ { "name": "8 - Control Arm Camber Strut", "price": "97.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1403503606" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.2", "warrantytime": "1.6" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1999, "make": "Mercedes Benz", "model": "S 320 SWB (140.032)", "engine": "L6-3.2L (104.994)" }1998 Mercedes Benz S 320 SWB (140.032) L6-3.2L (104.994) - Radius Arm Costs
Parts: $20.00Labor: $86.00{ "partPrice": 20, "laborPrice": 86, "alldata_id": 45047, "alldata_vehicle_id": 45047, "title": "Radius Arm", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "part": [ { "name": "8 - Control Arm Camber Strut", "price": "97.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1403503606" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.2", "warrantytime": "1.6" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1998, "make": "Mercedes Benz", "model": "S 320 SWB (140.032)", "engine": "L6-3.2L (104.994)" }1997 Mercedes Benz S 320 SWB (140.032) L6-3.2L (104.994) - Radius Arm Costs
Parts: $7.00Labor: $68.00{ "partPrice": 7, "laborPrice": 68, "alldata_id": 45083, "alldata_vehicle_id": 45083, "title": "Radius Arm", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "part": [ { "name": "8 - Control Arm Camber Strut", "price": "97.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1403503606" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.2", "warrantytime": "1.6" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1997, "make": "Mercedes Benz", "model": "S 320 SWB (140.032)", "engine": "L6-3.2L (104.994)" }1996 Mercedes Benz S 320 SWB (140.032) L6-3.2L (104.994) - Radius Arm Costs
Parts: $100.00Labor: $14.00{ "partPrice": 100, "laborPrice": 14, "alldata_id": 45084, "alldata_vehicle_id": 45084, "title": "Radius Arm", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "part": [ { "name": "8 - Control Arm Camber Strut", "price": "97.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1403503606" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.2", "warrantytime": "1.6" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1996, "make": "Mercedes Benz", "model": "S 320 SWB (140.032)", "engine": "L6-3.2L (104.994)" }1995 Mercedes Benz S 320 SWB (140.032) L6-3.2L (104.994) - Radius Arm Costs
Parts: $88.00Labor: $92.00{ "partPrice": 88, "laborPrice": 92, "alldata_id": 45085, "alldata_vehicle_id": 45085, "title": "Radius Arm", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "part": [ { "name": "8 - Control Arm Camber Strut", "price": "97.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1403503606" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Rod", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.2", "warrantytime": "1.6" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1995, "make": "Mercedes Benz", "model": "S 320 SWB (140.032)", "engine": "L6-3.2L (104.994)" }1994 Mercedes Benz S 320 SWB (140.032) L6-3.2L (104.994) - Radius Arm Costs
Parts: $93.00Labor: $80.00{ "partPrice": 93, "laborPrice": 80, "alldata_id": 45086, "alldata_vehicle_id": 45086, "title": "Radius Arm", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Camber Strut", "part": [ { "name": "8 - Control Arm Camber Strut", "price": "97.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1403503606" } ] }, { "name": "Thrust Arm", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Thrust Arm", "price": "208.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1403503406" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Camber Link", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.2", "warrantytime": "1.6" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "name": "Pulling Link", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.4", "warrantytime": "1.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1994, "make": "Mercedes Benz", "model": "S 320 SWB (140.032)", "engine": "L6-3.2L (104.994)" }