need a w124 suspension expert! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Richard Eldridge · #16 04-16-2009, 11:51 AM

Richard Eldridge,

What do you think of the ride quality (Comfort) with the HDs as compared to
stock?
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The original shocks, which I assume were comfort shocks, had a smooth ride, but the front spoiler was so low it scraped on parking lot dividers.

The HD Bilsteins, which I installed on all four corners of the 1990 300D and on the front of the 85 300TD, give a more precise handling to the steering. The ride is not harsh or bumpy.

I have stock tires and wheels on both cars.

samiam44 · #17 04-16-2009, 12:18 PM

I went through this...

Alignment is WAY out. THe struts angle fwd and cause it to be high and overly stiff. If the tech centers the adjusters and then aligns the car- everything should be fine.

Michael

jwhughes3 · #18 04-17-2009, 12:24 AM

samiam44 - thanks! wow - I wouldn't have thought of that - I will try and readjust myself till it looks semi normal and see if I can make a difference. It makes sense since all the front end components were replaced that none of the adjustments were done.

was yours 2" high also?

John in San Antonio

samiam44 · #19 04-17-2009, 12:28 PM

Yes,

Mine was way too high- I talked to Bilstein to see if possibly they a manufacturing problem. It was this list- one of the MB mechanics which after a few PM's back and forth suggested.

2 inches at least too high. Like I said- it seemed really really stiff.

Michael

jwhughes3 · #20 04-17-2009, 07:09 PM

and it still seems high, but maybe not as much - like a fool I neglected to measure the fenderlip height prior to making adjustments so I am relying on my eyeballs.

It DOES ride better though - still drives straight as before without wander, but is not as stiff, esp. when going over a speedbump. I'm guessing an actual alignment at this point might put it right.

Why wouldn't the dealer tech be able to figure this out? I wonder if I should still ask for a thinner spring pad - mine is a 4-nubber.

John in San Antonio

Bob Weir · #21 04-17-2009, 07:55 PM

Does it have self leveling? Sedan, Coupe or Wagon? What measurements does it have from hub center to fender lip at each wheel? As in RF__, LF__, RR__, LR__

jwhughes3 · #22 04-19-2009, 03:12 AM

I have a 300E sedan

measurements hub to fenderlip are:

F/L : 18.5" F/R: 18"

R/L : 15 R/R: 15"

again, I did not measure these before the suspension work, but pics see earlier confirm the extra height was there before.

I went to the local Pick-N-Pull today and got 2 front springs from another '86 300E that had aftermarket H&R sptings. These are 6-coil springs vs the 9 coil ones on the car thought the height seems similar when placed side by side - I have to assume the one I took it from was lowered, therefore once swapped it should be an inch or two lower in front and closer to the rear height measurement. I need to order a spring compressor now. At the junkyard I was able to get the springs out without a compressor by prying down on a disconnected front suspension, but at home my current springs wouldn't come out that way.

John in San Antonio

samiam44 · #23 04-20-2009, 12:50 PM

Scary....

Be careful MB springs with the arch can kill.
You should use the same spacers thickness as were in the car originally-to maintain ride hieght.
I agree- thinner looks better=0) But mine has Sportline bars and I'm happy .... other things need fixin'

M

jwhughes3 · #24 04-24-2009, 01:03 AM

Well I got it back from Richard at Alamo and it did come down a bit once done, but only 1/2-1" in front ride height.

All the specs are in the green (except total ride height - which I think is now only off maybe an inch).

It drives great. And I didn't have to use the H&R springs I picked up so I guess I'll be bringing them to the GTG in Centerville

So it WAS just because it was way out of alignment after all.

John in San Antonio

John in San Antonio

david s poole · #25 04-24-2009, 06:26 PM

from what i remember there are two things that can cause such a high level.one is too large a thickness of rubber on the lower side of strut shaft and the other is the wrong spring pads on top of the springs.

cliffmac · #26 04-24-2009, 08:58 PM

it's called pre-loading....applies to both bushings and bearings.....if you don't do it....bad.....

gmercoleza · #27 04-26-2009, 01:40 PM

I did my LCA on my W124, so I know this well. The ride height with new shocks is automatically going to be slightly higher because the new shocks will sit higher, but maybe only 1/2 inch. But that's at least 1/2 inch of your 2 inches there. So where are the other 1.5 inches coming from?

It's been said before, and my vote goes to alignment and preloading suspension before tightening the LCA eccentric bolts. If you tighten them while the car is up in the air (with the wheels hanging down), you are basically riding on the force of twisted rubber when you let the car back down.

When I did mine, since I was unable to *fully* preload my suspension, I lowered and tightened as much as possible before driving straight to the alignment shop. I told the tech to loosen the bolts and jounce the front end before retightening, and then proceed with aligning. I personally WATCHED him in the pit as he followed my instructions. That's the only way you can be sure it was done right (unfortunately).

The car rode about 2 inches high before (I know because I'm anal retentive and measured before/after). Keep in mind, I did not replace shocks, just the LCA, and yet I had a 2 inch height increase. Everything was fine afterward.

Oh yeah, my alignment was about $75 and was perfect.

jwhughes3 · #28 04-26-2009, 07:54 PM

by both the original installers and by the dealer - next Alamo did it again when it was being aligned and he added the appropriate weight inside while doing the settings - it came down 1/2-3/4 " after that and it LOOKS more apropriate now anyway. Since all specs are now in the green and it drives great I am happy.

Anyone need some H&R springs?

I am bringing them to the GTG in Centerville.

John in San Antonio

Jase25 · #29 07-16-2009, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmercoleza

I did my LCA on my W124, so I know this well. The ride height with new shocks is automatically going to be slightly higher because the new shocks will sit higher, but maybe only 1/2 inch. But that's at least 1/2 inch of your 2 inches there. So where are the other 1.5 inches coming from?

It's been said before, and my vote goes to alignment and preloading suspension before tightening the LCA eccentric bolts. If you tighten them while the car is up in the air (with the wheels hanging down), you are basically riding on the force of twisted rubber when you let the car back down.

When I did mine, since I was unable to *fully* preload my suspension, I lowered and tightened as much as possible before driving straight to the alignment shop. I told the tech to loosen the bolts and jounce the front end before retightening, and then proceed with aligning. I personally WATCHED him in the pit as he followed my instructions. That's the only way you can be sure it was done right (unfortunately).

The car rode about 2 inches high before (I know because I'm anal retentive and measured before/after). Keep in mind, I did not replace shocks, just the LCA, and yet I had a 2 inch height increase. Everything was fine afterward.

Oh yeah, my alignment was about $75 and was perfect.

Ok, I have a problem with my alignment after replacing the ball joints, tie rod ends and drag link on my W124 Sportline. The alignment shop say they can't set the camber as the eccentric bolts are worn. I inspected the bolts when the LCA's were off and they seemed fine. The car does seem sligthly higher in the front now.

Should they loosen and re-tighten the eccentric bolts?
How does one "preload" the suspension before re-tightening?
The other thing was the print out they gave me said "non-sportline model". I queried him on this and he said the camber adjustments are the same for both so this won't affect it? Is this true or just his ignorance showing?

Thanks,
Jase

Bob Weir · #30 07-16-2009, 10:19 AM

gmercoleza wrote
(I know because I'm anal retentive and measured before/after).

What are the "after" measurements fender lip to star [hub] center?