SL320 Front Shock absorbers

[vandergraafuk]

Hello forum,

Been quite a while since i was last here. I have a couple of quetions that hopefully people might be able to answer. First one I am considering replacing the front dampers. Which manufacturer is best or at the OEM?
Secondly anyone in the forum carried out replacement. Is it easy enough to do with a modicum of technical knowledge. Also I have done a couple of google searches and in the groups a chap mentioned that it would be wise to purchase dampers from the stealership rather than somewhere e.g. EuroCar Parts as these as seconds!!! Anyone experienced this from Euros or is this just a load of rubbish by a disgruntled customer. Advice will be greatly appreciated. TIA

Regards

Van

 

[television]

Though the shocks are not inside the springs they have to be removed to access them.

I think that if you stuck to a well known brand, it does not matter who sells them.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.607&CT=F&cat=44F&SID=32&SGR=030&SGN=01

 

[vandergraafuk]

Do the springs really have to be removed to replace the dampers?? :cry:

 

[television]

Do the springs really have to be removed to replace the dampers?? :cry:

I have been told this,if you can get access to the bottom mounting then you can do it without.
Turnipsock will know when he comes on

 

[kth286]

Van

I would use the dealer dampers - make sure you give your VIN to the parts person and have an understanding on whether your car has the adaptive damping system or standard damping system, as the damper will be different and the parts person will need to know this.

The SL 129 has similar suspension to the W124 E class and you do not need to remove the spring to change the damper.

You need to support the wishbone before you undo the top damper nut and make sure that no strain is put on the brake hose. You will need to tie up the hub/disc/caliper assembly for a short time whilst changing over the old to new damper.

Why change the dampers in the first place as they last a long time.

If there is a suspension noise it will likely be the wishbone bushes worn.

 

[television]

Van

I would use the dealer dampers - make sure you give your VIN to the parts person and have an understanding on whether your car has the adaptive damping system or standard damping system, as the damper will be different and the parts person will need to know this.

The SL 129 has similar suspension to the W124 E class and you do not need to remove the spring to change the damper.

You need to support the wishbone before you undo the top damper nut and make sure that no strain is put on the brake hose. You will need to tie up the hub/disc/caliper assembly for a short time whilst changing over the old to new damper.

Why change the dampers in the first place as they last a long time.

If there is a suspension noise it will likely be the wishbone bushes worn.

just saying thank you for coming up with the info

 

[vandergraafuk]

Thanks for the replies chaps,
I am replacing the shocks for a number of reasons the car has covered 90K, and driving on country road has become a real chore as the car responds to every little undulation of the road. Thanks once again for everyones replies.