Rough riding W124 (New struts and shocks)
 

I installed new OE spectrum front struts and mounts, rear shocks, and front sway bar bushings, but the ride is still pretty rough. Additionally, I changed the inner and outer tie rod ends and had the car aligned. The rear end creaks pretty loudly when I turn into my uphill driveway. I am thinking of changing rear sway bar links. Any ideas how to diagnose suspension problems. The tire pressure is around 30psi in all four tires. Thanks, Bob.

OE should be Sachs or Bilstein - and should not ride rough unless you installed sport or HD shocks

Even with my sports, it runs pretty smooth.....sounds like somethings wrong.

Where did you get these "OE" Spectrum struts? As said, Sachs is OE.

I picked up the OE spectrums from ******** for a low price. I do not think that is the major issue. In my opinion there is something wrong with the rear suspension.

It's a good bet your rear LCA carrier bushings are shot.

OESpectrum is a Monroe product line. The OE is like the umlaut in Uro parts made in China :)

Sixto
87 300D

Are those the front or rear LCAs?

Seemed obvious when I wrote it but it does read both ways. I meant the carrier bushing between the rear LCA and hub carrier, not the rear bushing of the front LCA :)

Here's some info on the job - http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/301701-home-made-$15-w124-lca-bushing-tool.html

Here's some general guidance on W124 rear suspension - http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/300339-mercedes-w124-rear-suspension-guide-2.html

Sixto
87 300D

I'd second the opinion that the Monroe shocks aren't the problem - had them on my first 87 300D and they gave excellent service.

Have the same problem with rear suspension noise on my second 87 300D - it will grunt, groan, and pop just jostling it when parked. 124 Owners Bible says this is due to corrosion on the metal part of the bushings in the rear LCA's.

Thank you for providing more detail. I will remove the rear wheels and see how the bushing look.

You won't see it by just removing the wheel. You have to remove the rotor and bend the backing plate, or remove the park brake mechanism to remove the backing plate, to then disconnect the LCA from the hub carrier so you can see the bushing. At that point you're one step from replacing the bushing.

Sixto
87 300D

I finally tore into the rear of my W124 and found the LCAs were completely deteriorated. They were so loose and all the rubber was missing. I changed them and I swear the rear of the car is higher and it no longer wanders while I am driving on the highway. I still wish it rode as smooth as my wife's Acura, but I guess it is not fair to expect a 25 year old vehicle to ride like a 10 year old vehicle.

Did you change all the rear links as well?

new links, new subframe bushings, new LCA bearings, new subframe bushings and new shocks - your car will ride far smoother than any acura ever made.

I changed the links vertical links, but not the others. I am still reading how to change the subframe bushings. I also want to look at the remaining links.

give it a few thousand miles. Brand new shocks are tight.

rjp