W210 front suspension fail! Is this common?

[ringo_notts]

Just had the front wheel off to find out why the front suspension on the far side has dropped considerably.

I'm in shock.

It seems the mounting that holds the spring has come away from the body.



This is the other side which looks correct.



I can't for the life of me think how this could happen. I'm not even sure if I can by the parts to weld back on.

Thoughts much appreciated.

Ringo

 

[ringo_notts]

More photos.

 

[mersum1es]

That's common issue of W210 (Mine repaired as well). In Finland repair has been fully recovered by dealer/factory... Dealer repairs it by rivets, not welding. Spring cups can be bought separately.

 

[ringo_notts]

Thanks. Yes, a search for spring cup on google does show this as a common fault.

If one side has gone I should probably get the other side sorted at the same time.

Is this fixable with a mig welder?

Cheers,

Ringo

 

[Roxie]

Yes, buy new parts and if you are a capable welder and are sure you align the mounts correctly I see no problems. I don't know if I would renew both sides at the same time, however I would certainly have a good look at the other side to see if it needed repairing or replacing.

 

[spock500]

It's commonly known as 'spring perch failure' or similar.

As yet, not happened on mine but always mindful when approaching speed bumps ect.

If you are going to attempt a DIY fix let me know as I can dig out the official MB document on this.

You may also need a Klann type spring compressor to re-fit the spring. I have one somewhere in the garage ready for my turn

 

[Benzworx]

This is not too common on w210's but can happen and is fixable with an MB cup and mig welder plus MB spring compressor

 

[ringo_notts]

This is great info thanks!

I would like to give this a go. There seems to be plenty of room for my spring compressors (which are pants but I have some) and its only one spring right!

The MB guide would be great. Do you need my email addy?

Cheers,

Ringo

 

[spock500]

I think it might be less common now due to most being fixed.

Take a look through this thread which contains a lot of info and may also have the MB pdf 'How to'.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum...e-read-crosslinked-post-1-all-topic-data.html

If the pdf is not there drop me a PM with your email addy and I'll have a look my end.

These springs are under a great deal of pressure. When I attempted to replace one of the springs (W202) with four conventional spring compressors I ended up cutting them off. The pressure bent them making it impossible to remove.

 

[Naraic]

No...normal spring compressors are very very dangerous in this car...there isn't the room you think there is. You will need to beg, borrow or steal one of the special ones like this.

http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...a=X&ei=tZLXUOamOOiM0AWw-IH4Ag&ved=0CGYQ8wIwAg

 

[ringo_notts]

I'm on my phone and I'm not paying this the attention it deserves, but I just googled klann compressors and they look serious.

Will check out the link above tomorrow on the pc.

Thanks guys.

Ringo

 

[Silver_Star]

I think the latest MB method to repair this is also to rivet the perch to the inner wing rather than weld. However welding will be fine.

Couldn't have happened at a better time of year for you either

 

[bigtwin]

Good God, does no-one use zip ties anymore?

 

[Frontstep]

Glue.

 

[big_mike]

My OSF spring perch let go on the 23rd of Dec as well, whilst sat on my drive! New bracings acquired (A210 626 01 19 for a '98 E300TD) was going to weld but riveting seems much more straightforward. Compressing the spring looks like it will be a nightmare but wonder how much it actually needs compressing?

 

[chizzel89]

Rivet?! Sounds weak and rust prone! I wouldn't trust anything other than a high current seam weld, up so high that the weld burns in flat.

 

[Frontstep]

Rivets are strong enough, that junk steel rusts like mad after welding.

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Its good to rivet them in place first so you weld it up in the right place!

 

[hmang]

be careful of them springs mate theyre under a lot of pressure and if your compressors let go it could easily kill you.

sorry to be blunt

 

[scotty2hotty81]

Common problem, don't rivet, any competent welder can do this, peel the sealant away on the other side to inspect the condition.