SUNILP

i am pretty sure you need to put a 5mm hex in the center of the bolt and use a wrench to turn the nut

rlee02135

there is a new spring availible for the c-class
ZENN springs....1.2"F 1"R drop
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-M...50172361QQrdZ1

dnasty8305

are there spring pads on both the front and rear? and how can i tell witch number i have? do i go to the dealer for different size?

rlee02135

only spring pads in the rear. i believe it comes with a #3, not sure. you buy them at the dealer

drexappeal

#2 for 230/320 SS. 240/320 luxury have #4.

Not sure 'bout the rest.

dnasty8305

do i go th the dealer to get #1 will this change any wheel gap?

Ryanr317

I've seen those for a while, but they are pretty cheap. I'm not sure how good they are. Anyone know?

drexappeal

please try an advanced search for "spring pad." Your question has been answered many times.

mbarrad

Can anyone answer my question?

drexappeal

Yes. You can change to 2004.5+ springs and the ride height would change. The shocks should be the same, but even if they weren't the same, that would only affect your ride comfort.

Another way to change the ride height in the rear is to change the spring pad. There are 4. Sport Sedans, I think, come stock with #2 pads.

Blake P

I would think they'd be different shocks that were designed for the shorter spring travel and firmer ride. Just a hunch.

drexappeal

It's possible that the shocks are different, but it wouldn't make a difference for someone going from 2003 OEM to 2004.5+. Anybody that is gonna do that, doesn't really need shock upgrades or changes until the shocks are shot.

Blake P

I agree, but I bet there are some folks (like me) who consider their OEM suspension to be worthless after upgrading to an aftermarket setup, so he could probably get a whole 04.5+ suspension for next to nothing. Hell, I usually end up leaving my OEM parts at the install shop for them to throw away or sell... whatever as long as I don't have to deal with it.

drexappeal

LOL...you're right, B. I basically gave my 2004.5 suspension away on here.

mbarrad

I bought a set of 06 sport springs from a board member and should arrive Wednesday. I have never changed springs in a Benz so this will be a good learning experience. Had prenty of practice changing out suspensions on my GTI I used to have. Wonder if this will be similar. Did a brief search on how to install springs hoping to come across a good thread with pics, but came up short. Also looked at the DIY stickies but none referenced actually changing out suspension parts.

When I install the springs, I will post measurements differences and pics for those who want to go this route.

splinter

Yes, you will find the procedure to be perfunctory and straightforward.

In addition, before performing the installation, you should have the parts necessary to upgrade your dampers concurrently.

mbarrad

Not changing out the dampners. I may change out the strut bearings if there are any in the Benz. I assume MB uses stretch bolts. If so then those will have to be changed.

splinter

Okay. Please share your results.

EricTheRed

Blake and WaveyKat (and Suman), Were you able to remove the klunking sound from your suspension yet? I have been dealing with the same sound for some time now, now at all 4 corners. I do have over 110,000 miles on the stock suspension and I am sure that I am due for some issues, however, I am really interested if your fix took care of the issue. Any directions for an IT guy who hasnt been under a car for a number of years, where and how to fix the noise? ie tighten the endbolts on the swaybars.

Thanks.

drexappeal

Let me understand this right. You've been running on your stock suspension for over 110,000 miles? Have you ever replaced anything on the suspension during that time?

EricTheRed

Correct, not one change. I have had no need. Just oil changes, etc... OEM Front brakes at 75K, Panorma roof at 49.9K. Thats it. No issues, other than the klunking sounds. Sure, I have noticed taking a country road corner posted at 45, doing over 55(ok65) hitting a few bumps, the suspension is getting soft, however, that is to be expected with 110K on the struts. That will be my next question. Since I am going to need to replace some components, what is the groups sugestions to "inexpensively" upgrade the suspension. Ride height is fine, however it wouldnt hurt it to be down some, and it could be just a bit firmer.
-Eric

drexappeal

The clunking sound you are getting, is it intermitent (i.e. only on certain turns) or is it anytime you hit a bump? If it's anytime you hit a bump, I would say first get new shocks. There's really no need to upgrade your springs if you are happy with the ride height.

If you want to stick with OEM, there are a few places online that would be great. I'm not sure if any of the sponsors offer OEM shocks for a good price, if at all. I would also try the website that a lot of people got the "new key" from. They have great prices (I've checked other parts on that site as well and it was much better than directly going to the dealership).

If you want to upgrade the shocks, my suggestion would be to go with KONI adjustable shocks. I think there is 3 settings on those shocks, but from what I've been told, the softest setting for the KONI's feels even better than stock and provides better dampening.

If that doesn't eliminate that "clunking" sound you are hearing, then you'd have to investigate into other "issues".

Blake P

I had the control arm bushings replaced but the sound is still there, so I'm assuming it's the sway bars. I have a set of H&R bars, so I'm hoping it goes away when I have those installed sometime soon.

EricTheRed

Only on bumps, slow speed mostly, unless the bumps are large enough.

I will search for this site, thanks.

Now we are talking.

Thanks.

Blake thanks for your update as well.

To anyone, The reason that my suspension and brakes seem to have lasted so long, is that my commute is 65 miles each way, and only 2 stop lights, very light traffic.

Thanks all for your suggestions.
-Eric

drexappeal

Eric,

Thanks for posting the question in the Suspension thread instead of starting a new one. You don't know how much smoother that helps the forum run (especially with the search function).