W123 Front end suspension rebuild question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

benhogan · #1 01-16-2013, 12:54 PM

I am just not comfortable dealing with the springs so this is something I want to farm out.

Approximately how much am I looking at to replace all the suspension rubber? in front? in back?

Is there a kit that comes with all the parts? thanks guys

Stretch · #2 01-16-2013, 01:46 PM

You only really have to deal with the front springs - the rear ones can be removed with out a spring compressor if you drop the whole sub frame...

...but that is something for the brave as you need to lift the car up in the air quite a way. Fine if you have a 2 post lift or even a fork lift(!) but with axle stands and trolley jacks it is getting a bit in the dare devil territory.

Anyway when I bought all of my parts I think the parts were about 700 euros for all of the rubber, new bilstein shocks, new steering rods and well new everything. This was in 2009.

I mostly bought Febi stuff - and I won't be doing that again. After my experience with some new parts I'm going to be very critical of the used ones as I reckon even if they've been on the car for 30+ years they'll still out live some of the new stuff I've bought...

As far as I know there isn't an official kit but I've heard talk of people making up kits and selling them on ebay.

Phillytwotank · #3 01-16-2013, 01:46 PM

"The source" sells a kit. I've seen kits on "the bay" but i would always recommend buying the parts from the sponsored parts source.

If your comfort level with the springs/spring compressor is the only thing stopping you from tackling the job yourself i'd say..... don't worries about that.

Tackled a w123 front suspension rebuild myself a little while back and it was pretty easy going. Using the proper compressor is really quite safe and easy too.

So save some bucks and DIY the front end would be my advice. unless, you just want to sitback and drink a tea while someone else gets down and dirty with it.

rear end is a different story i think. Much Much easier to do for a pro with a proper car lift N'at.

Stretch · #4 01-16-2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phillytwotank

...
rear end is a different story i think. Much Much easier to do for a pro with a proper car lift N'at.

I agree that a lift must make it easier - especially if you don't want to use a spring compressor on the rear springs (and rear springs only! - don't try the no compressor stunt on the front!) - but I found the rear suspension to be a breath of fresh air compared with the front despite some pretty heavily corroded parts. The rear isn't very complicated - it only goes back in one place - there's no adjustment to be done if you use standard parts - you should check the alignment on the rear wheels though (just in case).

Diesel911 · #5 01-16-2013, 03:52 PM

There is another Kit available; I bought one and only used the Parts I needed. But, it is considered undesirable because it has all URO Parts and not one of the Parts or Bags the Parts came in was marked with were the parts were made.

The only really trying thing about the front end is if the Upper or Lower Control Arm Bolt is rusted to the Sleeve inside of the Bushings.
I had that issue on one of My lower Control Arms. I must have sent a total of 6 spread over several Days trying to get the Bolt out.

If you piece together the parts you want I believe you can use the W126 lower Control Arm bushings instead of the normal ones with the Sleeve I mentioned. You als get to pick the quality of the parts.

Incase someone else wants to read up on the job:
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