CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Need Help Installing Bilstein Shocks

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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 01:35 AM
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02 CLK320 ,bilstein sport shocks, Eiback springs, ECU upgraded, Front grill and emblem, 18" wheels
Need Help Installing Bilstein Shocks

Ok, got my shocks but now what. I can tackle then and try to install them myself or pay some one 200.00 dollars to do it. Not sure if i wanna spend the money so the question is does anyone know how to change these struts and rear shocks safely. I dont have a hoist , just a floor jack. Anyways if someone knows how or has done it please share you experience.
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 02:08 AM
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i think you need some sort of spring compressor to do the job, not 100% sure though
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 07:33 AM
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If you have not done this job before, I would recommend you seek professional assistance. Good luck
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 08:01 AM
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Piece of SH*T
Originally Posted by midget fidger
i think you need some sort of spring compressor to do the job, not 100% sure though
You definetely do not need a spring compressor because the shocks and springs are not a coilover on our CLK's...Like "Chappy" said if you have never done anything like this before do not try and do it yourself.
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 10:05 AM
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correct, you will not need a spring compressor... you will need about 2 hydraulic car jacks to make the job easy... a few jack stands wouldn't hurt either...

And, paying $200 is a rip... I would look for different shop until you find one that will do it for around $100-120... Everytime I've had my suspension installed, it was only $150
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 10:21 AM
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02 CLK320 ,bilstein sport shocks, Eiback springs, ECU upgraded, Front grill and emblem, 18" wheels
I thank you for your response. I have done this sort of thing before but never on a MB. But from the sound of things im better off taking it to the shop. mmgrad ill shop around and find a better deal, Thank you.
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 10:36 AM
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if you've done this kind of thing before... then the CLk will be the easiest one you ever do...

Its not like other cars who use a strut/spring setup... the CLK uses an independant shock & spring, so, its pretty easy...

i say, if you are gonna take apart the control arms, change the shocks & springs... you won't need a compressor if you do it this way... just use the hydraulic jacks...

but, time is money... if you don't have the time or desire, just pay someone a few bucks and have them do it... just make sure you find a GOOD place to do it... there was a post a few days/weeks back where the suspension wasn't seated properly (most likely the springs in the spring pad were off centered), and one of the springs slipped out of the pocket...
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 10:48 AM
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02 CLK320 ,bilstein sport shocks, Eiback springs, ECU upgraded, Front grill and emblem, 18" wheels
Yes i remember that post, what a joke. People who do the job need to pay more attention to there work. I have recently changed my springs and left the stock shocks in place but i dont like the way it feals.Its kinda like floating.
Hey if i can find someone do do it for 100-150 ill let them do it. But im just curious, once i support the control arm with say a jack stand or hydrolic jack, the shock should come off pretty easy right?
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 10:55 AM
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that should do it...
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 12:16 PM
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The fronts are much easier to change out than the rear. The toughest part about changing out the rear will be taking apart the interior of your trunk to access the top of the rear shocks.
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 07:15 PM
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02 CLK320 ,bilstein sport shocks, Eiback springs, ECU upgraded, Front grill and emblem, 18" wheels
ok i just changed them.. What a pain... Now i knew it was going to be stiffer but holy sh** this is hella stiff now. And my car sits higher. Does anyone know if the stifness will lessen and settle lower to its original possition?
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 09:50 PM
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did you buy the correct shocks for the right car?
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 10:35 PM
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02 CLK320 ,bilstein sport shocks, Eiback springs, ECU upgraded, Front grill and emblem, 18" wheels
I hope, i got them on ebay rears are F4-B36-1854-HO and fronts are F4-B36-1855-HO
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 11:09 PM
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02 CLK320 ,bilstein sport shocks, Eiback springs, ECU upgraded, Front grill and emblem, 18" wheels
Mother F***** they sent me the wrong ones.jfjsilwrrnbfl;r; crap now i gotta ......... **** . No wonder why its bouncy as hell and doesnt sit right.
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Old Jul 26, 2005 | 11:54 PM
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damn... that sucks major A$$... at the least, you didn't PAY someone to install it, and you don't have to Pay someone to remove it...

Thats why, with ebay, you gotta be real careful about what you buy...
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