Help! Can't remove stripped lug-bolt from W124 front wheel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ke6dcj · #1 07-07-2002, 01:43 PM

Had new tires put on the W124 wagon, asked them to hand-torque
everything, and when I got home, and let the car sit overnight to check
the wheel lug-bolt's torque, I noticed one would not snug up.

So I tried taking it out, no dice.

I'll be calling the tire shop (America's Tire Shop, aka, Discount Tires,
Inc.) Monday, but if they don't offer to fix it correctly, how should I
proceed to remove this lugbolt? I'm thinking a replacement hub will be necessary.

Thanks,
:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Glen · #2 07-07-2002, 02:16 PM

Neil,
You need to apply outward pressure on the wheel. Do you have an air powered impact wrench? If so, set it on reverse and while pulling on the wheel, try backing the bolt out. If you don't have an impact wrench, you could try pulling on the wheel while a helper backs the lug out with a lug wrench. Once it's out you should be able to tell if the threads in the hub are ok or not.

ke6dcj · #3 07-07-2002, 05:24 PM

That did the trick! Lugbolt threads were stripped.

I was able to tap/chase the threads with my el cheapo Harbor Freight metric tap & die set, and put in a new lugbolt ( I keep two spares in each car).

Everything torqued up a ok.

Thanks,

:-) neil

Glen · #4 07-07-2002, 09:25 PM

Great!

Glad it was an easy fix!

ke6dcj · #5 07-07-2002, 11:32 PM

Glen- I went back to 16-inch tires for everyday street use due to the wife complaining that the SportLine suspension is stiffer than the 500E.

Not too bad, but maybe I should go for the early year 500E front dampers/shocks.

Do you still like them? Wife factor?

I do have a set of Bilstein Heavy Duty's (and Sports!), but I've heard these are still stiffer than 500E dampers, and of course don't have the internal buffers.

:-) neil

Glen · #6 07-08-2002, 12:50 AM

Yep, the wagon rides really nice with the E500 front struts using stock wheels/tires. I'm going to upgrade the wheels soon so I'll let you know if the ride becomes firmer as I move up in wheel diameter.

I still haven't figured out what to do with the back...still running the stock wagon SLS. It's too soft in back, I think the struts are worn out but I've never heard of that happening, especially with only 92K miles.

ke6dcj · #7 07-08-2002, 02:09 AM

I installed 500E rear springs, and a 500E rear sway bar. Rides well, and now the car has less understeer.

BTW- does the wagon now feel about the same as the 500E, at least in the front? How about when pushed?

:-) neil

Glen · #8 07-08-2002, 09:02 AM

You'd think the ride would be about the same but that's not the case. The wagon is running on stock springs and has a softer ride than the E500. Body roll (stock sway bars) is less than stock but more than the E500.

haasman · #9 07-08-2002, 11:15 AM

I believe the OEM supplier for the rear shocks is Sachs. I went to their site many months ago and saw a listing for MBZ wagons, rears, in two versions: std and HD.

ke6dcj · #10 07-08-2002, 12:36 PM

haasman- what website did you find this at?

I can't locate anything.

:-) neil

haasman · #11 07-08-2002, 01:00 PM

Neil

I am digging .... I found the NA Sachs Marketing site. I sent them an email requesting urls ... I'll update you as soon as I find it.

It was over six months ago when I viewed the site.

Jeff

haasman · #12 07-08-2002, 01:10 PM

Neil, here is the main site page .... http://www.sachs-automotive.com/ still digging.

Jeff

haasman · #13 07-08-2002, 01:34 PM

Neil Try this: http://www.sbcats.co.uk/ there is a download for passenger car shock absorbers: "Suspension Products"

My connection is having bad day ... timed out twice.

Jeff