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#1
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Uneven rear suspension
I replaced my rear shocks approx 100K miles ago with a pair of KVM's. Just noticed today that my left rear is approx 3/4" lower than my right rear (180K miles on car).
I am planning on replacing several of the rear control arms soon. Should I be looking to replace shocks or springs as well? Also, as I mentioned in my post ....car pushes to right on acceleration at hwy speeds. Any thoughts?
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Steven 1989 260E (276K miles) 1995 E320 (50K miles) |
#2
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Ride height is done by the springs! MB spring are adjustable by having different thickness spring pads available.
Many times the rear "thrust" link can cause THRUST changes on accel or decel. IF the car is "pulling" to the right? Has the car had a GOOD 4 wheel alignment?
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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES) ASE Master Technician Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times) 44 years foreign automotive repair 27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer) MB technical information Specialist (15 years) 190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold) 1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold) Retired Moderator |
#3
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I'm having the same problems too. I've just recently acquired a 1989 300se (167K miles). The left rear tends to lean closer to the wheel than the right. The height from the quarter to the wheel also seems to vary from time to time. The car seems to drift a little to the right while on the highway. The ride isn't bad but it's one of those things that drives me nuts when I look at the car from the rear it looks like it's leaning to the left a little.
Is this something I can adjust or do I have to buy new spring pads? Thanks in advance! |
#4
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subframe mounts
Preban,
It is most likely the subframe mounts causing your problem. They wear over time and cause the rear to sag. They also allow the rear axle to shift slightly which causes a skittish rear end feel at highway speeds. If the rear of the car rises significantly when you shift into reverse with the brake on and squats significantly when you shift into drive then that is a pretty good indication of subframe mount wear, particularly at the diffrential mount. |
#5
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Ah so! I didn't think of that! Thanks microtoad! I was getting worried if I'd have to replace springs or fiddle with the self-leveling system. You're right about how the rear sags overall and it shifting when the car is put in gear. I'll check them tomorrow. One question though, are subframe mounts the same as subframe bushings? I'm not a mechanic (yet) and car-jargon isn't my strong point. Once again, thanks for the help!
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#6
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Subframe mounts
Yes, they are the same. The two forward bushings are large rubber donuts about 5 inches in diameter. The rear mount is a metal frame with a rubber insert. The frame bolts to the underside of the chassis and the back side of the differential mounts to it. When the rubber in this frame gets old it allows the differential to move up and down which causes the car raise and sag. Well worth your time to change. See links below....
http://oem.overnightautoparts.com/parts/overnightautoparts/wizard.jsp?year=1991&make=MB&model=300-SE-001&category=L&part=Subframe%20Bushing%20Kit&dp=false http://oem.overnightautoparts.com/parts/overnightautoparts/wizard.jsp?year=1991&make=MB&model=300-SE-001&category=J&part=Differential%20Mount&dp=false |
#7
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Quote:
Thanks.
__________________
Steven 1989 260E (276K miles) 1995 E320 (50K miles) |
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