Renewing shocks on a 2002 Class CDI220

[SilverSurfer]

Good evening

A few days ago I replaced the rear shocks on my car-mileage 80,000. Straigtforward and sure enough they were virtually useless when they came off.

Suspension much improved. Now thinking about replacing front shocks-suspension generally OK now but a little soft.

I can buy good quality replacements for £100 a side from a general parts supplier.

Anyone done this with a 4-5 year old Merc? Wonder if I should leave things for another year but would like a firmer suspension now!

Advice comments welcome.

Regards

Mike

 

[tom7035]

Not quite so straightforward as the rear end Mike, the fronts are McPherson struts which have to be completely removed from the car, and a known danger area changing road springs without the correct spring retractor/compressors.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Thanks

Have got loan of spring compressor. Thanks Tom. BTW is 80k usual to replace front shocks?

Regards

Mike

 

[tom7035]

BTW is 80k usual to replace front shocks?

Regards

Mike

Don't have enough MB experience to comment on that Mike but I'm sure someone will.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Update on changing front shocks

Firstly I regret not checking other posts on springs and spring compressors! All the warnings were there!

I removed one shock unit without digfficulty. Compressed the springs on the ground with a pair of standard Halford professional spring compressors. They were not big neough to fully compress the spring-should have stopped at this stage-accept that is could -maybe-have used wire and tightened things up again. However I managed to remove the spring and the unit had failed.

Have not been able to refit the spring. Have given up and will try to get a local garage to assemble the unit. Have fitted springs before but not on a Merc.

 

[tom7035]

Firstly I regret not checking other posts on springs and spring compressors! All the warnings were there!

I removed one shock unit without digfficulty. Compressed the springs on the ground with a pair of standard Halford professional spring compressors. They were not big neough to fully compress the spring-should have stopped at this stage-accept that is could -maybe-have used wire and tightened things up again. However I managed to remove the spring and the unit had failed.

Have not been able to refit the spring. Have given up and will try to get a local garage to assemble the unit. Have fitted springs before but not on a Merc.

Not quite as simple and straightforward as a Mondeo for example! It's been known for ordinary compressors to break and the possible consequences don't bear thinking about! Have you considered replacing the top strut mountings also while you have the units out? Would be well worthwhile IMO.
Good luck,
Tom.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Update on replacement of front shocks

I thought forum users might be interested in what happened to my dismantled front shock.

I took the dismantled unit to Quik Fit. They had an impressive spring compressor but it was not long enough to fully compress the spring so no real help. However the people in Quik Fit were extremely helpful and I now have a very positive view about them. I will definitly consider buying replacemnt tyres from them when the time comes.

Finally I found a local garage that had just bought a Beta spring compressor. The A29 in Cookstown. Very large expensive unit. They were able to safely compress the spring. I then fitted the unit and got them to replace the other shock.Cost including wheel alignment was £82.

The springs in the Classic 220CDI 2002 are long and in my view not suitable for replacemnt using ordinary spring compressors.

 

[television]

Firstly I regret not checking other posts on springs and spring compressors! All the warnings were there!

I removed one shock unit without digfficulty. Compressed the springs on the ground with a pair of standard Halford professional spring compressors. They were not big neough to fully compress the spring-should have stopped at this stage-accept that is could -maybe-have used wire and tightened things up again. However I managed to remove the spring and the unit had failed.

Have not been able to refit the spring. Have given up and will try to get a local garage to assemble the unit. Have fitted springs before but not on a Merc.

From a safety angle its a wise move to have them fitted, these thing can go off like a bomb, and so can your fingers and anything else in the way, once they start walking, run.

malcolm