1979 300sd (w116)

While driving at 55 mph or faster my 300sd steering would wander and shake after driving thru uneven surfaces on roads.

I replaced the shock damper and the steering felt a lot better.

The steering coupler has also been replaced.

I have not taken the car in for an alignment or tire balancing.
Shocks also are starting to leak fluid.

The tire rod ends look and feel tight

Could a simple tire balance and wheel alignment improve the steering.

Again, the wandering and steering shake is only experienced when driving thru a sudden bump, pot hole or uneven surface.

Please advise

Could be upper control arms, lower control arm bushings, torsion bar mounts and/or lower ball joints....Really at this age of the car, it could be anything rubber on the front end...Hard to say with out a visual inspection...

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Why would you not think that leaking shocks need to be replaced ?

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

Yep, replace the shocks.
Inspect everything else as best you can.

I removed My Steering Damper lie 7 years ago and never re-installed it. Having it gone changed nothing except the Car is easeir to steer during slow tight turns when I back out of the Driveway into the narrow Street in front of our House.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Been trying to replace as much as I can.

Had to first replace the engine mounts, engine shocks, replace a bad valve lock nut on cylinder #3, adjust valves, stop an oil pan leak, replace the tranny filter and ATF, air cleaner bracket, remove the speedometer cluster and take in for odometer repair, steering coupler (had it replaced by Indy mechanic), ignition tumbler and lock assembly (had it repaired by Indy mechanic).

Just trying to buy some time and was looking to get some 15 inch bundt rims and tires.

Currently trying to trouble shoot the engine running too hot.
Drained the coolant today and replacing and thermostat and coolant tomorrow.
While I have the car in my garage I will be replacing the shocks, brake/rotors and belts.

Will see how it goes.