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

jwhughes3 · #1 04-14-2009, 12:41 AM

I thread jacked a thread on the Diesel forum not realizing it - so I'm over here in Tech forum.

I bought new front suspension parts from ********AZ to do the '86 300E. Didn't have the time to devote to the rebuild which included lower control arms, struts and mounts, tie rods, drag link and damper. I had my local body shop do the labor, asking them not to do the alignment and I would take it to the dealer.

I picked it up and drove it 30 miles to the dealer - drove nice - almost didn't feel like I even needed the alignment, but I didn't want to find out later that I needed tires for a problem so dropped it off - never noticed anything wrong.

Service guy called and said they went to start the alignment and the front ride height is too high - a couple of inches and asked what I had replaced. I explained what was done - I didn't notice it sitting too high when I picked it up or last looked it it sitting there in the drive.

Anyway he called back later and said they checked it and didn't find anything wrong - but would look into it tomorrow since it was end of the day.

I can't think of what they could find - I provided the parts to the body shop - I know they didn't replace anything else themselves - so the question I have is: what could they do in the install that would cause this?

The only thing I can think of is maybe overtightening the sway bar (if possible)? I am not familiar enough with the w124 suspension as this is a new acquisition for me.

Anybody with any ideas (or a similar occurence)?

Thanks
John in San Antonio

compress ignite · #2 04-14-2009, 01:09 AM

You didn't use the MB Dealer for the install. (You're not stupid!)
So maybe the SA is trying to Help Lighten Your Financial Burden?

I can make a case for new struts lifting an infinitesimal amount...
But nowhere near Two(2) Inches!

BUT,I'm just wasting Internet Electrons until/in hopes GSXR sees this Post.

Or one of the Professional MB Wrench Turners.

(Check the Trunk...'Somebody put 1500LBS of Sand in there?)

jwhughes3 · #3 04-14-2009, 01:16 AM

to pay for what it would have cost to get it done at the dealer!

Richard Eldridge · #4 04-14-2009, 09:47 AM

When I installed HD Bilsteins on my 1990 300D, which had 115,000 miles on it, it raised the ride height a bit. I am not sure how much.

Before, the front spoiler drug on parking lot dividers. Afterwards, there was around an inch of clearance, perhaps more.

It should not make a big difference in alignment. I have never had any car repaired by any dealer, since a Ford dealer raped me $200 for replacing a tiny part on a windshield wiper on my 1961 T-Bird in 1968.

jwhughes3 · #5 04-14-2009, 12:56 PM

Normally I don't either, but Mercedes alignments are another case......

They say it is riding too high to align properly because the geometry is off. I don't know if the new struts are just too full of gas or what.

I'm guessing I will just pick it up and drive it like it is - I'm afraid to ask them what is will cost to correct the problem

John in San Antonio

hanno · #6 04-14-2009, 01:50 PM

Could it be like the rear suspension and you must not tighten any of the control arm suspension bushings until the weight of the car is upon them? If so it would be 4 bolts to loosen/retighten. AND if its that simple I'd politely ask for another tech at the dealership to work on it.

babymog · #7 04-14-2009, 11:20 PM

The wrong struts won't do it, they only carry a little weight from the gas charge, should just raise it to the proper height again from the old worn-out ones.

It is possible that there is something different about the LCAs, there are three that I know of: early 124, late 124, and late 124 with sport suspension. There might be others.

If the bushing bolts were tightened with the suspension unloaded, that could lift it some, but more likely the springs not being nested properly would lift it.

One other thing lifts the front end of the 124: driving forward with a severe toe-in. Backing up with severe toe-in will lower the front end.

jwhughes3 · #8 04-15-2009, 02:20 AM

I measured the length of the body and shaft of both old and new struts and they are the same (or within 1/4" with my tape measure anyway) and I can't see them causing this - since it appears that it was almost as high before, I can only suspect that maybe the wrong springs were swapped in at some point - I didn't find the receipts for the previous struts, and they were silver KYB's so definitely not stock - and there was a receipt a few years back for a new (used) bumper so maybe there was damage or an accident unrecorded that required a spring swap???

I hate to buy new springs and then there still be a problem - maybe if I buy them from the junkyard it won't feel so bad a bite - the w124's I have seen out there are an 87 300E and a 91 300CE that looks low miles before being crashed - anyone know what I should avoid?

John

jwhughes3 · #9 04-15-2009, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

If the bushing bolts were tightened with the suspension unloaded, that could lift it some, but more likely the springs not being nested properly would lift it.

The shop said they tightened under load and the dealer also loosened everything and did the same without effect. They checked the springs to see if seated properly as well and are at a loss to explain why it sits that high.

Maybe I should drive it backwards to see if it will lower.
John

jwhughes3 · #10 04-16-2009, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

It is possible that there is something different about the LCAs, there are three that I know of: early 124, late 124, and late 124 with sport suspension. There might be others.

I didn't pick up the old LCA's to compare, but just looking at these they look the same - do you think there are different part numbers? I will check with ********AZ and see if they carry any other LCAs - but I seem to remember there being only 1 complete arm available, not 2 or 3.

Still hoping for the "aha moment"...

John in San Antonio

cliffmac · #11 04-24-2009, 08:58 PM

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

lorainfurniture · #12 07-16-2009, 10:29 AM

I had my entire suspension changed on my 89 300e. I noticed it did ride pretty high for the first few thousand miles, but eventually settled down to an acceptable height.

My tires did sit flat however.

Richard Eldridge · #13 04-16-2009, 11:51 AM

Richard Eldridge,

What do you think of the ride quality (Comfort) with the HDs as compared to
stock?
============================================================
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 · #14 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 · #15 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

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