PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Writeup: W124 300D Turbo Strut replacement

pdrayton · #6 02-28-2009, 04:44 PM

Ok, I put in my bilsteins today. Yes, it's true, it is safe, as long as you make sure you support the lower control arm with a jack so the spring can't come out. I put a bunch of 2 by 4s under the brake rotor to make sure it couldn't come out. Also a good idea because it keeps the hub assembly in position when the shock is out.

My shocks both almost fell out. Totally shot.

Also, before you get the shocks, check what your bounce stop (AKA bump stops) look like. They are the rubber foam things at the top of the shock that stop the shock from hitting the frame. Get some new ones with your shocks if they are shot.

Also #2, check your shock protectors - the bellow looking rubber things that protect the shock shaft from dirt and contamination. Get the proper mercedes ones - the generic ones from the parts store didn't work for me, so I got the proper ones from fastlane.

I'm not sure I put them on properly - I put the big end up the top around the rubber mount at the top of the shock. They fit well there, but I'm not sure how the bottom is supposed to be secured. Anyway, it is way better than what I had, which is nothing. They had completely disintegrated.

First shock took about an hour while I worried about the spring and found out how to do it. 2nd shock took about 30 minutes, easy peasy.