Springs 'n Shocks

[whitenemesis]

Am I the only one to think one should change shocks when one changes springs?
Have read on so many threads peeps lowering their cars just by fitting shorter springs. Surely one must fit shocks with shorter travel to contain the suspension within the spring length? Or was my experience of building road racers (well, 3 cars!) flawed?

 

[kth286]

Agreed, and Bilstein cater for that just nicely with their range of shorter shocks.

 

[television]

As Kieth, that would make sense, interesting that MB only do the one version now for the 123's dont know about the 124's

 

[David Wilkins]

Hi All, my 20p worth ... I observe that most (all?) road cars have rubber bump stops that the designer intended to limit the suspension travel. The shock absorber movement needs to accomodate at least that amount of travel - otherwise the springs will be trying to rip the shock apart.

Perhaps with a lot of height cut out of the spring the bump stops are too far and the spring would rattle unless the shock is shortened and now performs the role of the bump stop? Gulp ... Hope its a strong shock body

 

[whitenemesis]

I thought the shock absorber always provided the extension limit. That's why I would never just fit shorter springs without the matching short travel shocks. If one were unfortunate enough to drop a wheel into a deep rut or negotiate a kerb one could unseat the spring!

The shock is rarely at full extension as the weight of the car compresses the spring, its only when jacking up the car that the suspension will extend to the limit of the shocks travel

 

[philharve]

Hi All

So is the consensus to change the shocks & springs together?

My C230K is slightly lowered in standard form and one day I will have to replace the shocks and maybe springs. But in terms of MB, which is likely to need replacing first and when?

If the car seldom carries heavy loads, is it more likely the shocks would need replacing first? Conversely, a car used to transporting the family and kitchen sink would likely need its springs swapped first?

REGARDS

Phil

 

[whitenemesis]

I would recommend changing shocks and springs together, especially if changing ride hieght.

I would think shocks would fail before springs (unless rusted!)