Rear shock absorber replacement

[Devonian]

Just had my 2001 E200 estate MOT'd. It passed but with an advisory note that there was a "fine film of oil on both rear shock absorbers" Obviously it was not bad enough to fail so my questions now are:

Is this a known fault & do you guys think they should be changed?

Do all estates have self leveling suspension, or if not how can I tell if mine has?

Is it a difficult job to do? (I'm a reasonably competent DIY'er)

Thanks

 

[television]

Put your 17 figure Vin number WDB210---------- into here and check

http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/index.html?lng=eng

 

[Devonian]

Thanks Malcolm That shows it does have self levelling suspension.

I have just checked the price of rear shocks from GSF £95 ea. so that's not too bad. Are they difficult to fit? any tips from someone who has done it?

Thanks, Andy

 

[BlackC55]

Simple nuts and bolts job. Some interior trim needs to come off. Also get some hydralic fluid from MB. The pt number should be on the resevoir.

 

[andy66]

not sure if their the same but changed the rear shocks on my 202 c class and it was a fairly easy job..just use a trolley jack to support the suspension when taking old shock out and replace with new one...1 bolt in boot and 1 bolt at bottom of shock

 

[bazzle]

Shocks are not necessarily faulty if they leak a small amount of oil. A slow weep from the gland seal can attract a lot of dust and look very messy. Just wipe it off and keep an eye on it. Most times you will not ever see it again.
Sometimes a shock (or batch of shocks) is overfilled by a few mils. This may cause a leakage under pressure when hot. The seal has to be lubricated somehow and it may bleed thru a layer of dust.

Bazzle

 

[Devonian]

Thanks to all for replies. I'll do a bazzle suggests and clean them and keep an eye for a while

 

[star]

Thanks to all for replies. I'll do a bazzle suggests and clean them and keep an eye for a while

No need to change them, if they develope a big leak, u'll notice the resivoir drop. with just a small seepage the resivoir will keep them functioning correctly.