Approx 1.5” of Front Spring End Broke Off – 2001 E430 4Matic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

EricSilver · #1 06-01-2013, 03:19 PM

A sudden groaning, like a creaky ball joint, alerted me that something was wrong in the drivers wheel well, where I discovered the break. A few blasts of Wurth lubricant silenced the noise (for now, at least).

There is no discernible difference in ride height or performance. There is no rust at all.

Do I need to immediately replace or can I wait two to three weeks, since I won’t have a convenient time to do it until then?

Will get a replacement spring from dealer on Monday. Though I was advised to do both springs at the same time, I was also told Mercedes springs do not sag over time so I will likely replace the broken one alone.

97 SL320 · #2 06-01-2013, 08:08 PM

Springs are usually replaced in pairs to maintain left to right ride height.

Given there isn't much labor overlap you could take a chance but be aware that springs used on the assembly line are matched pairs and sometimes shimmed to attain proper ride height.

Replacement springs could be at random, matched pairs , or coded to match what you have depending on the manufacturer.

dieseldiehard · #3 06-01-2013, 08:56 PM

All springs get weak over time, its the nature of the beast. Mercedes is no different than any other and I've replaced springs on several Mercedes because they sagged in the rear.

Definitely replace both if you want an even ride height now and in the future

I was just taking inventory of some springs and emailed another member about springs for a 124 chassis Sport suspension. I saw nothing about 4-matic springs and I don't have any. I noted the aftermarket dealers do not list coil springs any more. I suppose they do not sell them very often. So its either the dealer or a place I have used and highly recommend: Coil Spring Specialties in Kansas. St. Marys KS I recall. They can make springs that ride lower or higher than factory springs at the same time are either stiffer or softer. But if your not interested in special suspension modifications then OE springs are faster to get and are assured to meet the ride quality you presently have.
DDH

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricSilver

A sudden groaning, like a creaky ball joint, alerted me that something was wrong in the drivers wheel well, where I discovered the break. A few blasts of Wurth lubricant silenced the noise (for now, at least).

There is no discernible difference in ride height or performance. There is no rust at all.

Do I need to immediately replace or can I wait two to three weeks, since I won’t have a convenient time to do it until then?

Will get a replacement spring from dealer on Monday. Though I was advised to do both springs at the same time, I was also told Mercedes springs do not sag over time so I will likely replace the broken one alone.

mbdoc · #4 06-02-2013, 07:15 AM

On a 12 year old MB the springs will have sagged! replace both of them

EricSilver · #5 06-03-2013, 12:08 PM

Clearly, replacing both makes sense.

Another option suggested, and which I am considering, is cutting the spring on the passenger side to match the length of the one on the driver side.

Right now there is no change in ride height because the "new" end of the broken spring has not rotated to where the original end was. (I suspect that is also the reason for the dreadful groaning and creaking.) If/when that rotation occurs there should then be a discernible lowering of height on the driver's side, and it was suggested as an option to cut the passenger side to match, which would cost me about the same in labor but about $200 less in parts.

EricSilver · #6 06-03-2013, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldiehard

I was just taking inventory of some springs and emailed another member about springs for a 124 chassis Sport suspension. I saw nothing about 4-matic springs and I don't have any. I noted the aftermarket dealers do not list coil springs any more. I suppose they do not sell them very often. So its either the dealer or a place I have used and highly recommend: Coil Spring Specialties in Kansas. St. Marys KS I recall. They can make springs that ride lower or higher than factory springs at the same time are either stiffer or softer. But if your not interested in special suspension modifications then OE springs are faster to get and are assured to meet the ride quality you presently have.
DDH

It's definitely a dealer order, which actually costs the same or less as aftermarket ($116 each). The only trick is to find the pattern of painted lines/squares on the spring, to get the correct spring rate.

Dealer says, based on my VIN, i need springs with 2 green, 1 yellow line. I saw three lines when I looked under the car but without a flashlight could not determine whether they were yellow or green.

EricSilver · #7 06-10-2013, 01:39 PM

Appears replacement is the only option for this car since the spring has a smaller pigtail(?) end that broke and there is no way the wider coils above can sit atop the rubber disc on the lower perch (if that made sense).

Shame, since it looks so much better up front when about an inch lower.

Also, as an FYI, there is a significant variance in parts prices from one dealer to another. I called two in VA and a third in MD and the part price ranged from $116 to $82.