R170 Shocks...

Blobcat

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Could you get someone to drive your car and you follow it?

You can usually see the wheels continuing to bounce after they’ve hit a bump.

Considering the number of cars and vans I see with failed shockers I doubt the drivers can tell from the cockpit
 

Wighty

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Hi.
A quick question, what are the symptoms of worn shocks on a r170 slk?

And please don't say do a bounce test as there isn't enough travel on the suspension for that.

Thanks.
I can't help with the symptoms but if they are original on a 2003 car they must be well past their best ?
 
OP
RhodieBill

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Thanks...

I just get the feeling, (seat of my pants sort of thing) that the car is like bouncing slightly - almost imperceptibly - and I've corneded hard enough, not enough to lose normal traction, but the car skips sideway instead of sliding. But this is at the limits of adhesion though.
Tyre pressures are correct and the rears are fitted with Continental Sport Contact 2 about 70% worn and I think getting on a bit.

YUqBkAu.jpg


l7mMxT5.jpg


Thought....???
 

Wighty

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Thanks...

I just get the feeling, (seat of my pants sort of thing) that the car is like bouncing slightly - almost imperceptibly - and I've corneded hard enough, not enough to lose normal traction, but the car skips sideway instead of sliding. But this is at the limits of adhesion though.
Tyre pressures are correct and the rears are fitted with Continental Sport Contact 2 about 70% worn and I think getting on a bit.

YUqBkAu.jpg


l7mMxT5.jpg


Thought....???
That's a 2004 tyre buddy !:eek::eek:
 

Wighty

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That might explain the Skipping but not the almost continual bouncing on a slightly undulating surface would it not?.
No it wouldn't cause bouncing , but I suppose the rubber may have hardened and cause skipping ?
 

LostKiwi

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Sounds like rear shocks are getting past their best. Jack the car up and undo the lower end. If they are shot when you try to compress/extend them by hand they'll show little resistance.
 

joderest

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could it be with that age tyre that the side walls are getting weak causing a sensation akin to shocks ?
For me, it would be new tyres and new shocks.
 
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RhodieBill

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Thanks.
I'm going to test the shocks as per LostKiwi's instructions. I plan to get new tyres soon though.

Also hopefully at a small gathering on Saturday someone can take it for a spin and see what they think.
 

LostKiwi

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Thanks.
I'm going to test the shocks as per LostKiwi's instructions. I plan to get new tyres soon though.
If you can barely move the shocks slowly by hand they're likely fine.
One thing to be aware of is the lower mounts may be rusted solid and if you force them may strip threads or snap. Copious spraying with plusgas or duck oil (not WD40!) may make life a lot easier.
 


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