Aftermarket Options for W123 SLS struts? MB parts no longer available - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Screwdriva · #16 10-19-2016, 11:41 AM

Cheers Alec!

BWhitmore · #17 10-19-2016, 11:45 AM

The shocks shown in Alec300SD links are not the SLS rear shocks.

Screwdriva · #18 10-19-2016, 12:00 PM

They look exactly like the struts for the sedan (not the wagon). Curious why you think they're not the SLS shocks?

BWhitmore · #19 10-19-2016, 12:12 PM

you are correct, the shocks pictured are not for the wagon.

Dmitry at Pelican Parts · #20 10-19-2016, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselPaul

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Base Wagon - Suspension, Shocks & Springs - Page 1

$332.25 from Pelican Parts.

Thanks for the referral DieselPaul

martureo · #21 10-19-2016, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatOne

The official nomenclature used by the designers and Mercedes engineers for that part of the "hydro-pneumatic auxiliary suspension" is "spring struts" for which the 123 Body and Chassis FSM 32.3-501/3 F2 uneqvivically states "In addition to level control they are simultaneously serving as shock absorbers"

if this was not factual what other mechanism in that system is effecting the "damping" inhibitions that "shock absorbers" traditionally do? In other words on the 123 Chassis vehicles rear suspension what mitigates, corrects or counter balances the bouncy-ness of pure spring action?

I recently used an old tire to support my om603 in my garage. I didn't really want it supported by an oil pan on the concrete floor.

But then again, it wasn't a tire, it was an engine cradle because that's what I was using it for.

There are no rear struts/shocks on a w123 wagon equipped with a hydropneumatic, self-leveling suspension.

ThatOne · #22 10-19-2016, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martureo

I recently used an old tire to support my om603 in my garage. I didn't really want it supported by an oil pan on the concrete floor.

But then again, it wasn't a tire, it was an engine cradle because that's what I was using it for.

There are no rear struts/shocks on a w123 wagon equipped with a hydropneumatic, self-leveling suspension.

You're not helping anyone by making up words for things that are different than the words used originally. And you help less by making up things despite the easily verifiable facts. Mercedes calls the part "spring struts" and says they function as "shock absorbers" maybe you can explain how they are wrong beyond your declaration to that effect? Maybe you can show Mercedes referring to these parts as "hydraulic rams" from some verifiable information source?

Screwdriva · #23 10-22-2016, 09:34 PM

Went ahead and ordered the pair for Autodoctor (thanks again Alec). After several failed transactions due the parts being out of stock, finally found a German retailer that stocks them.

I'm very concerned that I won't be as lucky if one or both leak in the future. Should I source more of them and stock them?

martureo · #24 10-23-2016, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatOne

You're not helping anyone by making up words for things that are different than the words used originally. And you help less by making up things despite the easily verifiable facts. Mercedes calls the part "spring struts" and says they function as "shock absorbers" maybe you can explain how they are wrong beyond your declaration to that effect? Maybe you can show Mercedes referring to these parts as "hydraulic rams" from some verifiable information source?

I have little issue with them being called struts. The issue is with them being called shocks or dampers. They can accurately be called struts as they actively change geometry of the wheel, shocks do not perform such a function.

BWhitmore · #25 10-23-2016, 11:42 AM

What is the function of a shock? to control the oscillations of the spring. The SLS rear shocks on a wagon are designed to not only control the oscillations of the spring but also to provide adjustable ride height based on the load in the wagon.

I have always understood that a "strut" combines the coil spring with the shock absorber. The exception to that would be an overload shock that uses a coil spring to surround the shock absorber which simply provides an additional spring to the rear suspension (in addition to the original coil or leaf spring) in order to provide additional load carrying capability.

clacker · #26 10-28-2016, 11:42 AM

Boge or Sachs offers them, they were the OEM supplier to Mercedes.
If Mercedes has dumped them it does not mean that the aftermarket has, they will still be around for a long time aftermarket.

greazzer · #27 10-28-2016, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zacharias

In fairness, I think it would be more appropriate to applaud the amount of parts still available for these surviving cars, the youngest of which are now 31 years old.

I have regularly sourced relatively obscure parts the next morning from the regional warehouse in my part of Canada and even more obscure within a week from Germany. Given that the w123s are all but invisible now in Canada, that is remarkable service from an automaker. If there is another that equals it, I haven't heard about it.

Speaking of the SLS shocks, I have always been puzzled as to why no one ever seems to have made an effort to rebuild them (various people have made cottage industries out of other specialized things for these cars).

you can rebuild them. I was surprised to see how much they costs. I just saw some on E B A Y for $150 each plus shipping. Said NOS.

JB3 · #28 10-29-2016, 12:04 PM

If all else fails a standard spring conversion is always an option.

I have yet to read regrets from anyone who had done this. I certainly loved it when i made the change on an 85 TD. Massive simplification and it rides almost identically.

Screwdriva · #29 11-01-2016, 02:57 PM

Struts are on the car. Mark Cosovich, who installed them, won't stop raving about how the SLS system out handles the standard strut set up by a mile.

Thanks again for the links Alec- I used the Autodoctor webstore.

Alec300SD · #30 11-01-2016, 04:04 PM

Glad you got it sorted out.

Happy motoring!