eatbeef40

So I need new front shock suspensions for my 2002 CLK 430. I looked on ebay and found these and were wondering if they were good? This is my first Mercedes so i dont know anything about the parts. I just know I want a good set for a reasonable price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-NEW-1984-2004-Steering-Shock-Strut-Damper-for-Mercedes-W124-W202-R129-R170-/310806135410?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACLK430&hash=item485d7d4272&vxp=mtr

etownbala

That is not a suspension shock. That is a steering dampener. Usually its a good idea to replace springs and shocks if your going to do one or the other. A good aftermarket set will run you between $600 - $800 depending on what brand/model and application.

The steering dampener help control the steering wheel on uneven roads and prevents kickback to your wheel. These seem to go on many CLK's. I am actually currently in the process of exchanging mine due to excessive "pulling" and steering wheels kickback.

KRis

eatbeef40

Whats a good front set of shock absorbers for a reasonable price? (Less than 200)

Josh K

I've been happy with Koni adjustables. You can probably find them for a little over 100/shock. Unless you're trying to lower the car or you have obvious sagging issues, you don't need to replace the springs.

etownbala

I hope you mean $200 each. In that case H&R, Bilstein, Koni, OEM...

If you mean $200 for all four...good luck. Doubt you will find anything that you will actually want to put on your car. Keep in mind the forces the CLK can exert on these parts...you dont want to go the cheap route.

KRis

eatbeef40

I just need the front set.

CJackson13

Autohaus AZ sells all oem parts for this car at the cheapest prices. They're great and shipping is quick. Here are the stock front shocks for your car.

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ock%20Absorber

Also, seeing as you're pretty new to this, make sure you buy two as it says "2 per car".

eatbeef40

^^ Thank you so much, you've been a great help!! I just realized I dont have the plastic cap for the parking light/high beams. Are they all the same size for all mercedes? Where can I buy them? And how much do they go for?

eatbeef40

Would these work as my front shocks??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYB-KG4731-Front-Shock-Absorber-Gas-a-Just-Shock-Absorber-/141105499893?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACLK430&hash=item20da8b0ef5&vxp=mtr

CJackson13

Probably. I've never heard of them nor anyone using them but there's always a first for everything.

eatbeef40

Lol I just went and bought some bilstein from http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ock%20Absorber..
I'm curious though, they dont sell rear shocks on that site? I was searching for them but couldnt find any.

jonUF02

I was thinking about replacing mine soon, with the KYB's above. RockAuto sells them for about $65/ea. Seems really easy to replace them since you don't have to mess with the springs. I'm curious if anyone has used them?

Josh K

I haven't used them on my benz, but I have on other cars and KYBs are decent, no frills shocks. If price is your main concern vs. adjustability you'll be fine. Any new shocks will feel vastly better than worn ones.

jonUF02

I'm mainly just concerned with replacing the stock parts that have many miles on them. There are no obvious problems, but the ride is a little rough, probably due mostly to 19" rims with tiny profile tires. I feel that it nose-dives a little more than it should upon stopping, and may be a little soft in the corners, or could be more stable, but I don't have any baseline to compare to since I bought the car well used. I don't want to modify or adjust anything. I figure these have to be at least as good as OEM. about $250 for the full set shipped and labor looks pretty straight-forward.

I replaced the shocks on another car and it actually feels rougher, like the shocks are too stiff. They were basic Monroe.

GatorMB

I have used the KYB gas adjust shocks as well on another vehicle along with upgraded Addco sway bars, I was pleased with them at the time.
The Bilstiens should work equally well.


Cheers, Gator

dlbehrns

You get what you pay for. Happy Holidays everyone.

jonUF02

Installed the KYB Gas adjust shocks on the front. Pretty easy task on this car. The originals were not terrible, but pretty easy to compress by hand. The new KYB seem solid. I was expecting more of a difference, but not much change.

Just be careful when installing, I had to do it twice. The hardware order on top goes like this:

large washer > small rubber bushing with nipple up > through the body > large rubber bushing with nipple facing down > large washer > 2 nuts on top.

There were no instructions showing this order, they just expect you to figure it out. I did some searches and then figured this is most logical order, although it seems weird to put the large washer on first, but if you don't, then the small bushing will slip down.

The KYB threads are not the same as original, so DON'T TRY TO RE-USE ORIGINAL NUTS or you will strip the threads. I went to ACE and got slightly larger OD and better grade nuts with the KYB thread that also allow the factory dust caps to go back on properly.

I think I will be looking into sway bars next to improve handling.

Hitman0187

I have had the kyb gas adjust shocks in the front for 8 years now, still going strong!