Suspension question W124 coupe

[Tomkinsm]

Hi,

The ride on my 300CE-24 has seemed rougher than usual these last few months. There are no knocks or clunks, but pot-holes and ruts in the road feel quite harsh, and I can feel and hear the bumps and thumps. Seems to be worse when the car is cold.

With the age and mileage (115k) I'm suspecting the shock absorbers, but perhaps someone knows of something else that might be the cause?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Silver Arrow]

Check the spings. Mine had a broken one.

 

[Blobcat]

agreed, pls have a read through the attached; http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=21440

 

[television]

agreed, pls have a read through the attached; http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=21440

This is the bit that I like about Blobcat, he is like a mini computer.

Malcolm

 

[Tomkinsm]

Thanks,

I hadn't considered a broken spring because I don't get a particular noise or thump from any particular wheel. I've got to take the car to garage tomorrow for something else - so I'll see if they can have a look over the suspension for me. Will let you know the outcome.

If it is the shocks, these seem quite cheap and easy to fit so I might do them myself.

Thanks.

 

[Bolide]

Start with the front ARB bushes

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[turnipsock]

I would check the springs. Mine had two broken springs. The MOT only spotted one.

They had broken at the top and can be difficult to spot.

 

[Tomkinsm]

Thanks Nick, I'll inspect these too.

Turnip - is it possible to check the springs in-situ?

 

[turnipsock]

Thanks Nick, I'll inspect these too.

Turnip - is it possible to check the springs in-situ?

It really depends on the break, I didn't find one until I removed the spring. The MOT guy didn't spot it either.

I also had a break on one of my 230TE springs, at the bottom, and the MOT guy didn't spot it either.

I guess jacking the car in the middle and taking the wheel off is the best bet. Get pleanty of light and you might be able to see if the spring is intact.

Malcom (TV) came across something that was supposed to stop the springs breaking on the coupes. MB said this was anti corrision thing but it looks like it is just to seat the spring differently.

 

[Tomkinsm]

Thanks Turnip - I'll try to have a look.

Which ones are most likely to break? Front or back?

Thanks

 

[Bolide]

I think the shock absorbers are probably the last things to look at. Go through everything else on the car before doing them. So look at ARB bushes, rear suspension arms, front balljoints & springs, front top mounts, rear cotton-reel subframe bushes, diff mounts, shock absorber mount bushes and everything else. They all wear over time

New front balljoints & springs & new front ARB bushes transform a W124 - don't forget to do the brake pads while you're at it. At the rear, subframe mounts and the diagonal tie-rod really help. The top diff bushes reduce drivetrain clonks and make the cars much nicer to drive. The front springs have a tendency to break at the bottom turn, particularly on six-cylinder cars

There's lots of rubber in the suspension of a W124 and it all needs to work like new for the suspension to feel as it should. Rubber deteriorates with age as well as mileage. With the mileage your Coupe has done I would expect the shockers to be fine but other parts to be worn. I wouldn't be surprised if the engine mounts needed replacing

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[turnipsock]

Front.

They go up into a rubber spacer at the top.

 

[Silver Arrow]

My 124 coupe had a broken rear sping.
The 123 had a busted front. (Which fell out on a 60 mph yomp) very absorbing! (Me, not the car).
Make sure the new ones are properly seated.

 

[Tomkinsm]

Thanks for all your advice

The garage I went to couldn't look at it today so will have to wait until the new year.

Driving it today didn't seem so bad. There are definately no clunks or knocks, it just feels hard over potholes and ridges. I guess everything is just tired....but I'm a little worried about broken springs.

I'll report back next year when I have investigated.