124 rear fails bounce test - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

86560SEL · #16 12-12-2003, 12:49 AM

I know that excessive, or severe suspension bouncing can be dangerous, but I like the ride better of a softly sprung car like this. Seems like in the past- I kept buying cars that had just had the struts replaced, that gave the car a harsh ride. If you do replace the struts- go with original OEM (Mercedes) struts. Aftermarket struts tend to give a car a very harsh, firm ride. Just my opinion.

haasman · #17 12-12-2003, 11:58 PM

It is good to see the recommendation of the use of a speader bar during alignments.

I forgot, does the bar go in between the front wheels at the front or back of the front axel line?

Haasman

psfred · #18 12-14-2003, 02:33 PM

Front, either at the centerline or 45 degrees down, I think. Don't remember the exact instructions in the CD. Don't do alignments myself, beyond measuring tie rods when I replace them and setting them to the same length as the old one, or "seat of the pants" ones to get the car down to the shop.

Peter

haasman · #19 12-14-2003, 04:28 PM

Thanks Peter,

So the wheels want to be spread apart at the front as one drives down the road, thus the spreader bar simulates that during an alignment?

Haasman

haasman · #20 12-14-2003, 04:32 PM

chazola

Be sure and check the upper shock mounts as well. If you see little tiny cracks from the top, there is a good propability they are torn at the bottom.

Haasman

chazola · #21 12-14-2003, 05:42 PM

well, I ordered some Bilstein Comforts, front sway bar bushings and should hopefully have them installed this week.
My front lower control arm bushings are looking really worse for wear (rubber is all cracked) so they'll have to get replaced too- I presume that's a pro-shop job from the look of things. Anyone know how long the labour should be on those? Maybe i should do balljoints too while they're at it...

Hopefully the new shocks and bushings will help restore the handling.

Then I'll only have to replace the front cover (leaking), replace the leaking rear main seal, replace the motor mounts, fix the driver's side dash speaker, cure the harsh-shifting transmission, fit euro headlights and i'll be good to go.
remind me, why did i buy an old mercedes again?!:-)

haasman · #22 12-14-2003, 05:52 PM

chazola

Replace the rear sway bar bushings (very little cost) as well as check the links connecting to it.

You may not need ball joints. Surprisingly, they seem to last a long time (depending) on the 124 cars.

Haasman

chazola · #23 12-14-2003, 06:15 PM

haasman-

when i was checking the rear suspension the sway bar bushings looked in ok condition, though I'm not sure if that's a good indication if they're worn or not. The car does have a slight 'back end doing it's own thing' feel on the highway.

I noticed that the link that connects to the sway bar at an angle
(not sure what it's called, should have taken a pic while i was under there) did have some movement where the two bars connect, i.e. I could pull on it and move it back and forth somewhat.

haasman · #24 12-14-2003, 06:35 PM

chazola

In my experience, the rear sway bar bushings rarely look worn, but once you take the old ones out and compare to fresh ones, it is very obvious the difference.

The links should only pivot but not allow for any movement. Have you checked your upper diagonal suspension links. These are often the ones to wear out quickly and will give a wiggly feeling from the rear of the car.

Haasman

chazola · #25 12-14-2003, 06:59 PM

>Have you checked your upper diagonal suspension links.

are these shorter than the main (thrust arm etc) links? excuse my ignorance, atill learning here! just trying to figure out if we're talking about the same part.

The link i noticed had movement in it comes straight up from the wheel carrier, then connects to another link at an angle.

haasman · #26 12-14-2003, 07:07 PM

The particular one I am speaking of is under the group 75 in this picture. This happends to be of a left rear suspension.

Haasman

chazola · #27 12-14-2003, 07:11 PM

ok... not the same one i meant. I'm probably on about the sway bar I think.
All the other links were solid.
I think i'll do as you suggested and replace the bushings. that with the new shocks and we'll see if i still have the problems.

psfred · #28 12-14-2003, 08:12 PM

Haasman:

The dynamics of the front end on the W124 appears to apply some pressure outward on the front of the tires. This may be true of any car, but at least on MBs, this requires the spreader bar to get correct alignment while running. Believe me, it makes a difference! The TE is almost completely oblivious to crosswinds -- the only thing you feel or hear is the wind roaring across the sunroof! The 300D wanders all over the place, but I have to replace the left side torque link and thrust linkd, so I will wait until then to do a 4-wheel alignment.

Peter

haasman · #29 12-14-2003, 08:40 PM

Peter

Yes I agree. So many alignment shops don't use this bar. I finally had to go to a dealer to get the right alignment (with the bar).

I have found generally that alignments done without the bar use tend to result in the outside edges of the front tires wearing early, not to mention the twitchy handling you described.

Haasman

psfred · #30 12-14-2003, 09:03 PM

Improper toe -- too far out or too far in I don't remember. Too much toe-out will cause the car to wander terribly, follow directional pavement, and climb the crown on the road, as I remember.

Peter

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