124 / front end shudder
 

I was driving my wifes E300 yesterday and when ever I went over a rough piece of road, the front end shuddered. Seemed like the wheels were 'bouncing'. As far as I know the shocks or original. Is if the shocks, or could something else be causing the shudder? The wheels were balanced recently and there is not vibration n the wheel under normal circumstances. When I try and bounce the front end, it seems the front compresses a bit easy but when I let up, it does not seem to bounce all that much, it comes back up, has a very slight rebound and settles down. I did not see any moisture on the shocks to indicate leakage.

Any idea would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bump.

Anyone?

that is a question that has so many possible answers it might take a whole page just to list them.assuming the shocks,push down on front,there should be a large displacement downwards,if only short movement and there is not much clearance above front tires look into shocks and upper mounts.

I am able to push down what I think to be a fairly good amount and the rebound is quick with a little motion after the rebound.

Do the bounce test with the hood up, while watching the strut mounts - see if they appear damaged. Note too that if just one of the struts has leaked, your test won't likely show it.

Steve

Ok, I tried the bounce test with the hood open and the shock tower things looked solid. In fact, they looked brand new. I did not see any movement on the tops of the shocks.

Any other ideas of what O should be looking at?

The problem ended up being the shock on the drag link. I just got back from the MB club tech session. While I was under there, I noticed a bushing on one of the tie rods was ruptured and the end of the drag link connected to the idler arm was bad so I replaced both tie rods as well as the drag link and shock.

It drives like a new car now. No rebound, no shuddering. The steering wheel has nice resistance and it is smooth as glass. $200 in pars, $85 for an alignment and I am good to go.

Life is good.