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Suspension replacement

3K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  Frozen_S 
#1 ·
Hello hello

i change the struts on my winter/other car and now i can feel the difference of a good suspension

I didn't drove a new SLK or anything so i "assumed" the suspension is like that, now i can feel the car complaining and going the ****ty roads in Montreal is not enjoyable, anyways 130k miles i can bet their are still on the original ones

Bilstein on all 4 corners, pelican parts since rockauto doesn't have the front ones :(

So this will also be my "learn something new to fix" on a car so i'm excited, the rear doesn't look so bad and the front i will get a compressor tool, really observe when i take the strut apart so i can put it together as it was..

I looked for a DIY around i saw a thread but the pdf was missing, do i need the speial tightening nut ? if yes is there's a part number for it or the ones popping on amazon are it

Any parts that i should do or look to replace while i'm doing this ? Any advice? Is it a "two beers" per corner job or more?

Any kind people have any kind of doc so i can have a clear idea before starting it
 
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#3 ·
Just replaced front and rear springs on my 350 R171.


Rear springs/shocks are very easy to do. Jack under front of arm, disconnect spring pan from hub, and lower. Spring comes off tension, and then can be removed. Biggest part of job is shock top mounts. I used a "crowfoot" spanner thing on my torque wrench to undo and re-fasten.


Front struts are removed very easy. Make sure you loosen the shock top bolt while still in car. I had to use an impact wrench, as impossible to stop shock rod from turning while undoing top nut.


However removing springs is very difficult, and you will need a good spring compressor. The normal ones that attache to the outside of the springs will not work safely! You will need a hydraulic compressor and even then it is not easy. Really advise giving to good local mechanic to replace springs, or assemble new shocks.



You will probably need to remove the lower spring rubber pads from the shock, as they do no come with the new shock absorbers, and can not be purchased!



Also strip down the top bearing, clean and lubricate. Plastic dust sheild, and bearing retainer just pop out with a bit of persuasion. Re-greas with high pressure grease.


A job well worth doing, espacially as I had two broken springs
 
#4 ·
Thanks for all the great tips, apreaciate it!!



2 small questions


Rear springs/shocks are very easy to do. Jack under front of arm, disconnect spring pan from hub, and lower. Spring comes off tension, and then can be removed. Biggest part of job is shock top mounts. I used a "crowfoot" spanner thing on my torque wrench to undo and re-fasten.

no space or need to hold it down with another tool ? what's the tool size is that the 19 mm one ? i don't have the crow foot in my toolbox (YET!!)




However removing springs is very difficult, and you will need a good spring compressor. The normal ones that attache to the outside of the springs will not work safely! You will need a hydraulic compressor and even then it is not easy. Really advise giving to good local mechanic to replace springs, or assemble new shocks.

This is what i was afraid i will cancel my tool purchase and go to a shop, no idea how open a shop will be to do it, most shop around don't want to touch something they don't buy/install, maybe a pep boys or generic big name will do it



You will probably need to remove the lower spring rubber pads from the shock, as they do no come with the new shock absorbers, and can not be purchased!
GRRR!!! :))
 
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