Hello everyone, I gotta question for my 92 300D 2.5 turbo.

1) I think my rear shocks need to be replaced, for one the dealer told me they were shot, and the rear of the car squeeks when hitting bumps, etc. , which has NOT been bothering me in the past, but its getting embaressing when my dates ask whats that noise in the back, blah blah.

2) What kind of shocks do you recomend? OE blistens or the sporty ones, or the heavy duty ones, I want a smooth and quiet ride like the caddys, jags, and rolls. How do the sporty ones and heavy duty ones differ from OE?

3) how hard to is it to change? Since its winter time, I dont feel like messing iwth my car for a long time outside, i hate the cold climate, lol. Thanks.

Your shocks might be shot, but shocks don't usually squeak.
Check other components of the multi-link suspension (thrust arms, tie rods, bushings, etc.)

My 124 was also squeaking when going over bumps and it turned out to be thrust arms.

Vin

I've got a squeak aso on the '87 300D, so I got under the car for a visual inspection. The suspension arm (also called control arm) bushing on one side looks pretty bad. The suspension arm is a big arm of metal from the center of the car to the wheel hubs, that swings as the wheels move up and down. Near the differential (a little behind and lower) are the bolts that hold the bushings.

Because the one looks so bad I had not considered anything else under there - but there certainly are a lot of suspension components. So I can see how other things like the thrust arms could be squeaking too.

You could probably locate it fairly quickly if you get under the back and have someone push down on the car. I'd use the lip of the open trunk to push down on.

It is probably NOT the shocks!

Ken300D

Hello Vin and Ken, thanks for the replies.

I took my car to the dealer, and told them of this, they got the car up in the air, replaced all the lower control arms, after $500 bucks or so (each side!), the squeek still remains, so they told me to replace the shocks next and that they cannot guarentee that thats whats causing the problem. I really dont want to spend another $400-$500 to find out the shocks were not the problem, LOL.

For the thrust rods, and bushings, are they easy to replace?

I can't believe how some dealerships work. They should be able to pinpoint the exact location of the squeak without changing parts (trial an error system). They should have been able to diagnose the problem correctly and then recommend changing other worn parts.

I suggest you get a can of WD40 or some other lube and spray each component (one at a time) until you solved the problem.
I would start with thrust arm, stabilizer bar bushings, and tie rod ball joint (spray it inside the protective boot).

Good luck,

Vin

Brother of The Benz, Johnson, you old scallawag!
I replaced the rear shocks on my 300E with OEM Bilstien Comfort.
I mail ordered them from an advertiser in The Star Mag.
They cost <$100.00 each. I'm sure the parts service of this forum is competitive.
With the help of Joan we replaced them in about 2 hours; it's a simple job.
I haven't said hello to you in quite some time, and I never thought you to be the type with girl friends who complained about your squeaking rearend. Shame shame on you.
Happy Trails beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

Bilstein Comforts will likely suit you; the HDs are considerably stiffer than the Comforts, and since they won't match the front the car will likely "porpoise", meaning the front's bouncier than the back.

I put HDs in my '92 300D, but I changed all 4 struts/shocks.

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Hello everyone and thanks for the replies.

Vin,

I am going to take your suggestion and use wd-40 to pinpoint the problem. I went crazy with a can of wd-40 and lubed everything underneith the rearend a few months ago and it worked, but just not for long, lol. I am going to use this method of troublshooting.

If it does turn out to be the shocks, I will take your suggestion and replace all 4 to prevent "porpoise" situation.

Hey Donald, I havnt talked to you either in a long time. Did you and Joan enjoy the trip to NM? You know women soemtimes , cause I sure dont, HA. She will have to live with it until spring time comes cuase i ant going to be outisde messing with a non critial component in 30 degree weather, HEHE.

Thanks everyone...

Brother of The Benz, Johnny Channy
You had better get your basic metric survival tool kit out and tackle those rear shocks.
As I said previously OE Comforters by Billy Boy will do just fine.
Wait for a warmer day and do it in your garage out of the wind and your home free.
The most difficult part of the job is removing and replacing the trunk liners, three one behind the rear seat and two, one each side of the rear fenders.
When you've removed the rear seat liner, you'll see where the fuel tank sender is and serviced.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

Hello guys,

Today i replaced the rear shocks, the drivers side one was shot, it was broken apart, rusted out,e tc.

the squeeking noise went away for 30 minutes then started back up. guess i got more troubleshooting to do, lol.

the control arms have been replaced, now the shocks, i guess next is the parking brake mechanisms.