R129 300SL leaning to the right at the rear

[Setanta]

Hi

I noticed that, from the back, my 300SL (R129) is higher on one side than the other with a definite lean from the left to the right - can stick two fingers between the tyre and passenger side lip of the wheelarch on the passenger side but only 1 finger on the drivers side.

The front appears fine and level.

Had a look through the history and it does not appear that there is any record of the shocks or springs being replaced.

Given that it is now 15 years old, and a heavy so and so, it is likely that a spring has run out of spring? *shocks would just control the rebound rate and not the 'height' of the car - is that right?*

Any tips on what I should be checking to try and get a clearer idea or is there more to this car that can play up such as strut towers and the like?

Many thanks

Jim

 

[Blobcat]

You may have a broken spring on one side. You really need to go to your dealer with your Vin No. and they will supply the correct springs (there are quite a few possibilities) I would only replace them in pairs on the axle so both rear ones at the same time.

 

[Setanta]

Hi - thanks for the reply. It is going in for a head gasket replacement during the week so will ask them to look at it.

Great cars, built like tanks but I shudder every time that I think what could be lying under there...waiting to attack the wallet!

 

[jonthetourist]

Hi

I noticed that, from the back, my 300SL (R129) is higher on one side than the other with a definite lean from the left to the right - can stick two fingers between the tyre and passenger side lip of the wheelarch on the passenger side but only 1 finger on the drivers side.

The front appears fine and level.

Had a look through the history and it does not appear that there is any record of the shocks or springs being replaced.

Given that it is now 15 years old, and a heavy so and so, it is likely that a spring has run out of spring? *shocks would just control the rebound rate and not the 'height' of the car - is that right?*

Any tips on what I should be checking to try and get a clearer idea or is there more to this car that can play up such as strut towers and the like?

Many thanks

Jim

Did you solve this one?

I have a very similar scenario, except that both front and back seem slightly lower on the right. Doesn't affect the driving and it passed the MOT no problem.

Any other 129 owners had this issue?

Jon