Wobbly W123

[biodiesel]

How much body roll should there be on a W123 estate? I realise it's a big fat car but it does seem to sway around quite a bit. It never bottoms out and the self-leveling seems to work.
I've had a search through the forum but couldn't find anything. Can anyone offer me any advice/reassurance?

 

[TimN]

The torsion bars are supposed to resist roll. They are often referred to as Anti-Roll Bars. Check both front and rear. The 123 series was at the cutting edge of technology, placing the front torsion bar above the axle and so permitting space to allow the wheels greater movement from left to right and so a tight turning circle for such a large vehicle. Check that either bars have not broken or weakened though rusting. Check and replace the tortion bar mounting rubbers. Check and replace if necessary the linkages from the end of the bars to the swinging arms. And on the front check the rubber mount in the swinging arm.

I would recommend replacing the self levelling fluid as if it is of the wrong spec it would present the same symptoms.

Regards

Tim

 

[stever]

If you are suffering from sway in cross winds replace the steering damper - made quite a bit of improvement on my W123.