124 R suspension: still looking for an answer - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

haasman · #1 05-07-2002, 01:16 AM

I previously posted about how the rear of my '91 300E was low, especailly with passengers and so I replaced the rear springs. I got the spring from here. After the installation, the rear managed loads better, not as much bottoming- out as before, but the rear ride height is down. The car feels better, but it definitely is still a bit of an "ass sitter" with any kind of load in the rear.

I am now wondering about two things:

1. Would worn rear links in any way contribute to this?
2. The springs were replaced by taking apart each side of the suspension. That is taking off the rear wheels, putting jacks under the outside by the hub, taking the bolt out, removing the spring and then reversing the process. Did I contribute to the lower rear ride height by this?
BTW, the original spring collar/rubber isolator was retained. It has been suggested that I now change the front collar/rubber to bring the front down, but this bothers me.

Could I have gotten the wrong set of springs? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

mbdoc · #2 05-07-2002, 08:31 AM

Ride height is controlled by Springs onlt on that car! So what size spring pad did you use?? These pads are SELECT fit, so you might need a thicker set.

haasman · #3 05-07-2002, 09:40 AM

I used the original spring pad, a three dot.

Ashman · #4 05-07-2002, 03:28 PM

3 dot is the biggest rear spring pad they make.

Alon

haasman · #5 05-07-2002, 03:59 PM

Ashman

Yes I do know that the 3 dot is the largest spring pad. If there was a four dot I would probably try it.

Any body?

mbdoc · #6 05-07-2002, 05:39 PM

What was the part numbers of the replacement SPRINGS? WERE they OE or aftermarket springs.
The OE spring part number should be 124-324-11-04 & the spring pad should be the 18mm 3 dot one that you have.

pmizell · #7 05-07-2002, 07:37 PM

Quote:

BTW, the original spring collar/rubber isolator was retained

I'm a bit confused. Did you replace the original spring pads with new ones?

~Paul

____________________
'91 300E, 211k miles

haasman · #8 05-07-2002, 08:30 PM

No I used the original spring pads and just replaced the coil springs.

Ashman · #9 05-08-2002, 03:58 AM

the old pads may be compressed from age.

Try getting some new ones, very cheap part, and compare them to the old ones. if they are thicker, that might help. I would also verify the springs are not lowering springs.

Alon

haasman · #10 05-09-2002, 01:48 AM

Thanks Ashman. So the srping pads do compress and should always be replaced with the springs?

mbdoc · #11 05-09-2002, 08:15 AM

The pads do compress a mm OR 2 but installing new ones will only raise the car by 1/8" or so.

haasman · #12 05-09-2002, 09:18 AM

Thanks M.B.DOC ... I am wondering if the wrong springs were ordered.

haasman · #13 06-07-2002, 04:20 PM

The rear suspenion on the '91 300E is now back to the proper ride height. I have been chasing this problem ever since I replaced the rear springs due to sagging.

I was having the A/C recharged and mentioned it to Bud @ Cupertino Service, in N. CA. He said they have been using spring nuts. He showed me an 86 SL they just did. Not very elegant, kind of a JCWhitney solution, but they work great.

BTW a spring nut is a squarish, slightly larger than a lug nut sized item that is inserted in between the coils of a coil spring and then twisted to lock in place. It takes a great deal of effort and a hefty 1/2" long breaker bar to twist it. They come in different sizes, they used the smaller size and the rear is perfect.

I'll update this thread, but so far I am really pleased.

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