When Mercedes E Class shock absorbers break down, each driver faces the question of which one is better to replace. Let's talk about the types of shock absorbers, their cost and feel after installation.
The content of the article:
- Breakage signs
- Replacement process
- Variety
- Repair cost
Asking any car enthusiast how a foreign car differs from a domestic car, I think that anyone will answer with build quality and comfort. Often, time-tested foreign cars are in the greatest demand. Regardless of the age and equipment of the foreign car, sooner or later the suspension begins to lose its comfort properties, since our roads leave much to be desired.
German Mercedes cars are considered the most practical in quality and comfort, alas, there are many nuances, spare parts are not as cheap as for domestic cars. Comfort is immediately lost, and you simply cannot physically drive for a long time. In our case, there will be a Mercedes-Benz E Class car. Most often, shock absorbers fail.
Damage to shock absorbers
The first sign of such a reason affects the comfort and controllability of the Mercedes E Class, the steering wheel begins to beat, the stability of maneuvers is disturbed, and the knocking under the hood in the area of the pillar increases. I will say that the sensations are not pleasant, since the ride will rather resemble not comfortable movement, but similar to riding on a log on rails. Every bump or hole in the road will transfer the shock well to the steering wheel or Mercedes seat, and the German car will turn into a Zaporozhets.
Not only beat and knock can indicate that shock absorbers are missing. It will also be visible with the naked eye, often Mercedes will sag on the side where the shock absorber or air suspension is missing. As for the latter, it will be very clearly visible and the rumble in the cockpit will be nothing better than in the old Zhiguli.
In modern foreign cars, there can be found both a classic suspension on shock absorbers, and an air suspension built on a more complex system that works on air. We will consider a classic suspension, based on shock absorbers, without pneumatic elements.
There are two types of shock absorbers, gas and gas-oil. Some car enthusiasts prefer to put it more abruptly, but I personally, for which ones were installed at the manufacturer's factory, should be changed for those. At the same time, it is very strictly necessary to observe the Mercedes license plates on these spare parts, because the length also matters.
Sometimes, it is advised to take a higher (longer) in order to overstate the Mercedes, but do not forget that this leads to a loss of stability of the car on the road. If you put such shock absorbers on the front of the car, then it will obviously not be beautiful, and even at the races, the car will be lifted up.
Replacement of shock absorbers Mercedes E Class
A characteristic failure of the Mercedes E Class shock absorber is an oil stain. Perspiration is clearly visible on the dirty and dusty surface of the shock absorber. The replacement process itself is not very difficult, but it will take time. It is recommended to change shock absorbers in pairs, two front or two rear, this in order to have uniform wear. So, if you replace only on one side, then the Mercedes E Class will pull in one direction and the car will not be stable on the road. There will be a steady course and stability in pairs.
Let's start replacing with the front shock absorbers, so they often become unusable, falling into pits and potholes in the first place. To do this, we need two jacks, or one jack and a support under the rack, keys and a viewing hole, since it will be much more convenient to change from it. Replacing the shock absorber on both sides is symmetrical, so we will consider the replacement process from one side. Like all work with the car's suspension, we start by removing the wheel, lifting the Mercedes, removing the wheel and placing a support under the lever or under the lower rod, so that there is an emphasis on it.
Next, lower the Mercedes a little so that the spring compresses and unscrew the shock absorber from the glass, raise the hood in advance and release the bolts on the glass. This is done in order to weaken the spring force and it is easier to remove the shock absorber. Having unscrewed the fastening bolts to the glass under the hood, we begin to raise the Mercedes with a jack in order to relieve the pressure on the support. Then we remove the support from under the lever and raise it even higher until the spring is completely weakened, sometimes they use a special puller that compresses the spring and much forgives replacement, but alas, such a device is not needed for every day, and it does not cost little money.
There are damping systems where the spring is separate from the shock absorber, in such cases it is not necessary to remove and compress the spring. It is enough to release the hub and the lower part of the Mercedes to the level until it becomes possible to remove the shock absorber when folded (you can squeeze the rod, this way you fold the shock absorber and increase the clearance for its removal). After pulling out the upper stem, it is worth unscrewing the lower mount. Next, carefully remove the old shock absorber and try on the new one, whether it is the same size or not.
When buying, consult with the seller which will suit you, since the same model and brand may have different shock absorbers in different years. Do not forget to also take accessories, cushions for shock absorbers. After the old shock absorber has been removed, we put a new one, in the reverse order we perform the procedure. If you put a spring inside you, then you have to tighten it.
Often in the Mercedes E Class, this can be seen immediately, even without a service book. Without a special device, it is best to do this together. First, insert the spring with the shock absorber, lifting the spring up, tighten the lower mounting of the shock absorber, then substituting a support under the lever so that it can withstand the weight of the Mercedes a little, since this car is heavy, we begin to slowly lower it from the jack until the shock absorber rod appears in the glass from above. Next, we tighten the bolt on the glass, thereby pulling the shock absorber and tightening the spring.
After the whole procedure, we again raise the Mercedes with a jack in order to install the wheel and tighten the nuts on it. We carry out a similar procedure on the other hand, there is nothing terrible.
Shock absorber repair or new
When choosing shock absorbers, pay attention to the color and markings. Some manufacturers can produce different types of shock absorbers for the same brand and model, these can be classic ones, which are often installed at the manufacturer's factory. There may be a sporty version, they are stiff, but more stable hold the Mercedes E Class on the road and in corners.
Or soft shock absorbers, for those who drive only on asphalt, preferring silence and comfort in the car. They often differ in lettering or color. But it is already better to clarify the seller. There is nothing difficult in replacing, the main thing is to remember what you are dismantling for. Be careful with the Mercedes E Class spring, as it is very stiff and can shoot if you squeeze it hard.
As for the repair of shock absorbers, it is carried out, but very rarely. Usually this is not for long, a month, at most two, and again there will be the same problem, and the cost of repairs is half the cost of a new shock absorber. If the shock absorber is dripping, then there is no point in repairing it. Therefore, it is better to install new ones than to repair the old ones three times.
The cost of replacing and repairing shock absorbers
The price of Mercedes shock absorbers is very diverse, and it is impossible to say that they cost no more than $ 100, for example, on a Mercedes E Class, depending on the configuration and the year of manufacture, they can cost from $ 50 to $ 2,000 for one shock absorber. The price is also influenced by the type of shock absorber, be it sporty, comfortable or classic. The most common and high-quality manufacturers are considered: KYB, BOGE, Monroe, Sachs, Bilstein, Optimal.
As for the cost of replacement, it will also depend on the car brand and the type of shock absorber installed. The average price of replacing a pair of front shock absorbers for a Mercedes E Class is 19,000 rubles. The rear ones are a little cheaper - 17,000 r.
The replacement should not be delayed, since a breakdown with a shock absorber will pull other parts of the chassis and steering system along with it.
Mercedes-Benz
