W202 Front suspension coil springs

[chrisw]

Whilst giving the wheel arches a good clean I noticed that the plastic covering on the coil springs had spalled away in a small area. The car is seven years old. Is this a warning to have the springs replaced before they fail on me.

Can anybody advise if there is a usual failure mechanism to do with rusting of the spring.

Thanks
chrisw

 

[anyweb]

i wouldnt worry about them rusting, i'd pay more attention to what is holding the spring in place, or if there are any cracks/splits on the springs end/beginning.

the 202 series don't have a 'known' problem with springs popping out, unlike the same era E series (W210 see here > http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showpost.php?p=182696&postcount=12 ) due to the rust in the area ABOVE the spring holding it in place and falling off due to the pressure from the spring and of course, rust causing the metal to weaken

look at these photos to see what I mean, and hopefully to see why you don't need to worry (that much)

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=5824&page=21

if in any doubt, get the car in for a MOT test as they SHOULD be looking at your springs.

cheers
anyweb

 

[philharve]

i wouldnt worry about them rusting, i'd pay more attention to what is holding the spring in place, or if there are any cracks/splits on the springs end/beginning.

Hi

If a spring are going to crack or split, where along its length is it most likely to happen? Near the end, top or bottom? Is the damage always visible?

REGARDS

Phil

 

[jibcl500]

they just break common problem on MB, my dads 320CE has just gone in for a broken spring, they usually snap at the bottom and the break isnt noticable.
jib

 

[philharve]

they just break common problem on MB, my dads 320CE has just gone in for a broken spring, they usually snap at the bottom and the break isnt noticable.
jib

Hi jibcl500

Is a broken spring noisy and does it affect handling?

REGARDS

Phil

 

[mattsurf]

My W210 had 2 broken springs - Made a "twang" noise over speed bumps. Also the front of the car was sitting low, the handling seems fine. Now that the springs have been changed, the ride is much better, I think that the handling is better (would really need to push it to tell).

In my experience the broken springs certainly didn't make the car dangerous - however it is much nicer now that all 4 have been changed

Matt