I have a hollow-sounding clunk coming from the rear right when I drive over potholes, etc. It is not speed-dependent. In looking at the archives, it sounds like it's a bad shock. I recently did the nitrogen cells and flushed the hydraulic fluid.

Is there any easy way to diagnose a bad shock? If I repair this, is there any need to do both sides, even though the problem only comes from the right side? Thanks in advance.

Frank
Tampa, FL
1992 500E
1991 Porsche 965

The piston sometimes comes loose and rattles in these self-leveling struts. Other than the noise it seem the performance is usually not compromised. I don't think there is much you can do about it except replace it. We've tried to disassemble one but got nowhere. The shocks are quite expensive so make sure you don’t have a bad link or worn bushing somewhere.

I would replace only the noisy one as the nitrogen cells are actually the shock absorbers and the struts provide just a working chamber for the fluid.



Tom
1992 500E
St. Petersburg

The rear shocks aren't that hard to pull out in the driveway with 2 jacks, stands, and regular tools to inspect...you don't need a spring compressor for the rears on a 500E.

Supposedly, they are long-lasting...I'd have to agree as mine are OK at 137K. But just like anything else on a car; yours could be all done.

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Jim

1992 500E
2007 CLK63
2003 Audi RS6
2001 Audi allroad

I had a similar sound and had to replace the rear struts. I spoke with an engineer at Sachs. He said that it is vital to flush the fluid regularly to prevent premature failure of these components. Every 3-4 years under normal driving.

Hey Lou...I'm just curious...at what mileage did you have to change the rear shock(s)? Frank, if I remember, your 500e has a bit more miles on it than mine...so perhaps 150K is near the end of their life on these heavy cars (?)

I know the W124 wagons are a different animal but from what I've seen and heard, their rear hydro-shocks (same ones as the 500E) seem to go upwards of 200K miles.

TIA

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Jim

1992 500E
2007 CLK63
2003 Audi RS6
2001 Audi allroad

I have 150k on mine. I assume these are original. So it may simply be time.

What kind of costs am I looking at to do this? Should I do both rears or just the one that's clunking? Of course, I'll make sure we're checked for other problems first before moving on to replacement.

It went bad at 80-90,000

Thanx Lou...that sure isn't a whole lot of mileage, that sure sucked, didn't it?

I'd do just the busted one myself since they are expensive...I would think doing both would be several hundred bucks, but doing both would make the best sense if you have the dough and plan on keeping the car. You ever consider defeating the SLS and going with regular shocks back there? Probably comes out to about the same costs, who knows? Let us know what you do Frank.

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Jim

1992 500E
2007 CLK63
2003 Audi RS6
2001 Audi allroad

Replaced my rear driver side shock yesterday, had 160,000 kilometres (100,000 miles) $800 bucks ouch! Did one side only, car rides perfect.

My 500E feels a bit soft in the rear when I go fast in corners, but it`s hard to tell if it has been like this all the time or getting worse. I need to have my chocks checked by an expert.

But where can you find a 500E expert in Norway. Impossible. Will take the car to Germany for the next service and have it checked there.

Goofy

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Goofy
92 Black/Black 500E
92 Porsche 964 RS Clubsport
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