Possible $30 ABC fix..... need people to test
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
Possible $30 ABC fix..... need people to test
So I was thinking about the ABC strut, how if you slide the dust cover up there is a traditional coil spring in there....
Got me thinking a rubber coil spring donut spacer would prevent the car from sinking, like this:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LNG-61140/?rtype=10
(see the picture of the spacer installed WITHIN THE COILS of the white spring)
Here is a similar spacer for $6.99 at Amazon....
http://www.amazon.com/Superior-18-19...=pd_sbs_auto_1
4 of these would be under $30....
Before you say "this wont work" note these are SPECIAL spacers, that are split for easy installation and with grooves on both sides , to fit in between the coils and keep the car from laying on the ground. These are not the typical spacers that only go on the top or bottom of the spring, these actually fit in BETWEEN the spring coils of the ABC strut.
Now, this wont "repair" your ABC to proper operation, and the ride will be stiff, but it should give you enough ride height to make your car drivable again, a cheap fix without spending thousands of $$$.... but I need someone to test my theory and see if this would really work.
Anyone with a failed ABC setup willing to try?
NOTE: Longacre sells MANY spacers, some without grooves on both sides, and I may have not linked the correct part number, so dont just buy the one I linked at Summit. You will need the spacer with grooves on BOTH sides that fits between the coils. I would recommend removing the wheel, sliding the dust cover on the ABC strut up to reveal the spring, and then measure the space between coils to be sure you order the correct sized spacer. Mr. Gasket also sells one with grooves on both sides (Mr Gasket part # 1287)
Got me thinking a rubber coil spring donut spacer would prevent the car from sinking, like this:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LNG-61140/?rtype=10
(see the picture of the spacer installed WITHIN THE COILS of the white spring)
Here is a similar spacer for $6.99 at Amazon....
http://www.amazon.com/Superior-18-19...=pd_sbs_auto_1
4 of these would be under $30....
Before you say "this wont work" note these are SPECIAL spacers, that are split for easy installation and with grooves on both sides , to fit in between the coils and keep the car from laying on the ground. These are not the typical spacers that only go on the top or bottom of the spring, these actually fit in BETWEEN the spring coils of the ABC strut.
Now, this wont "repair" your ABC to proper operation, and the ride will be stiff, but it should give you enough ride height to make your car drivable again, a cheap fix without spending thousands of $$$.... but I need someone to test my theory and see if this would really work.
Anyone with a failed ABC setup willing to try?
NOTE: Longacre sells MANY spacers, some without grooves on both sides, and I may have not linked the correct part number, so dont just buy the one I linked at Summit. You will need the spacer with grooves on BOTH sides that fits between the coils. I would recommend removing the wheel, sliding the dust cover on the ABC strut up to reveal the spring, and then measure the space between coils to be sure you order the correct sized spacer. Mr. Gasket also sells one with grooves on both sides (Mr Gasket part # 1287)
Last edited by tusabes; Apr 21, 2010 at 07:29 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 0
From: NoVa
2004 S55 (SOLD, miss it every day), 2009 GL550
putting a bandaid on a failed suspension sounds like such a bad idea. I would never put my child in that car, and I sure don't want that car near me on the road.
good luck...
good luck...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
Not everyone has the $2000-4000-8000 that it often costs to repair ABC, and it is condescending to others to say "just buy a honda" if you are already "stuck" in this situation with no options.
People use hardware store washers, not designed for suspension lowering, to lower their car....so using spring spacers (which ARE designed for the intended use) to raise it is no worse or different... the "how can you defile my precious German engineering" folks need not apply.
I did not post this for people to "poo poo" on the idea, its posted to help people stuck in a jam of an undrivable car and/or repair bill they cannot afford
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
