Spring Pad lowering -- Pros/Cons
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From: Center of Universe
CLK55, Mini S
Spring Pad lowering -- Pros/Cons
Need to get the auto-up on both windows fixed so I am getting my A Service done at the same time (about 10500miles).
I am wondering if I should go ahead and have them give me thinner spring pads to lower it a little while I am there. What are the pros and cons of this?
I remember Mr. V saying perhaps it will wear the shocks a little faster, but what will it do to ride and handling...anything?
Thanks.
I am wondering if I should go ahead and have them give me thinner spring pads to lower it a little while I am there. What are the pros and cons of this?
I remember Mr. V saying perhaps it will wear the shocks a little faster, but what will it do to ride and handling...anything?
Thanks.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
You're ride will become slightly more harsh. The spring pad is a cushion of rubber seperating the spring from the frame of the car. The bigger the pad, the more cushioning, the smaller the pad the less. With less cushioning, you will feel the road more.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: San Diego
99' SLK 230 & 01' CLK 430
hmrdwm.....430 factory spring pads are #4 front and #3 rear. If you went
from $4 to #1 in the front,you would lower your car to about 3/4 in and it also actaully ride softer not harder like mach430 describe because you just reduce the spring rate. Now, the
had nothing to do with cushion of the spring but it used by the factory to adjust the ride height
because different car weight differetly due to option. If you just change the pads, they are going to charge you about $200, plus another $125 for the alignment. You might as well buy the Eibach spring have them install it also. Trust me on this, i had done this many time on other people car for Free without the spring compressor.
from $4 to #1 in the front,you would lower your car to about 3/4 in and it also actaully ride softer not harder like mach430 describe because you just reduce the spring rate. Now, the
had nothing to do with cushion of the spring but it used by the factory to adjust the ride height
because different car weight differetly due to option. If you just change the pads, they are going to charge you about $200, plus another $125 for the alignment. You might as well buy the Eibach spring have them install it also. Trust me on this, i had done this many time on other people car for Free without the spring compressor.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Cleveland Ohio
2000 Clk 430
Linh is correct!
My MB dealer did mine, BTW and didn't void the warranty.
Hmrdwn, geez it's only about 2 days worth of diaper money and then your pile will finally look good. It looks like it has helper springs on it now!
My MB dealer did mine, BTW and didn't void the warranty.
Hmrdwn, geez it's only about 2 days worth of diaper money and then your pile will finally look good. It looks like it has helper springs on it now!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
In order for anything to void the warranty, it has to be proven that the modification led to whatever problem arises. I personally don't think it's worth it to pay labor for someone to install $20 in parts. Changing only the spring pads will not lower you that much anyways. Have you thought about changing your springs/shocks? Is that too low? If you do only change the spring pads keep the front one size bigger than the rear (e.g., 4/3 to 2/1). If not you're going to have a slight slant to your car. In reality, your handling will only improve due your slightly lower center of gravity, you still will have the loose stock springs/shocks. I'd talk to a pro, like Mr. V before doing anything. I spent 2-3 months questioning him.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Cleveland Ohio
2000 Clk 430
Hmrdwn,
I agree with Linh's statement below...
"If you just change the pads, they are going to charge you about $200, plus another $125 for the
alignment. You might as well buy the Eibach spring have them install it also. Trust me on this, i had done this many time on other people car for Free without the spring compressor."
Yes I was at VIR in southern Virginia a couple weeks ago with the Porsche club. My NSX was out of commission so I took my CLK. The CLK was awesome on the track. In fact I was consistenly faster than most of the field. I credit this to the smaller pads and Eibachs :-)
I agree with Linh's statement below...
"If you just change the pads, they are going to charge you about $200, plus another $125 for the
alignment. You might as well buy the Eibach spring have them install it also. Trust me on this, i had done this many time on other people car for Free without the spring compressor."
Yes I was at VIR in southern Virginia a couple weeks ago with the Porsche club. My NSX was out of commission so I took my CLK. The CLK was awesome on the track. In fact I was consistenly faster than most of the field. I credit this to the smaller pads and Eibachs :-)
Member
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From: Northern Virginia-Washington DC
2004 S500 4MATIC AMG SPORT PKG. - 2002 RANGE ROVER
Hmrdwn, did you replace the spring pads yet??? did you replace the springs? more..
I just got the Eibach from Tire Rack, HBL is supposed to install this week. I am debating myself right now on spring pads also.. If you already did, let me know what your thoughts are?
We all shoudl get togeher sometime here in NoVA...
We all shoudl get togeher sometime here in NoVA...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
If you have any doubt re mods and warranty voiding, here is free advice BEFORE you are disappointed:
When in doubt ...
GET IT IN WRITING !!!
signed by the head of the service department and/or the general manager of the dealership).
AGAIN:
No MB dealership in S. Florida would do ANY suspension mod and provide MB warranty.
The thread below re mods might be instructive as it relates to WARRANTY:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&pagenumber=1
When in doubt ...
GET IT IN WRITING !!!
signed by the head of the service department and/or the general manager of the dealership).
AGAIN:
No MB dealership in S. Florida would do ANY suspension mod and provide MB warranty.
The thread below re mods might be instructive as it relates to WARRANTY:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&pagenumber=1
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
It's pretty obvious that modifying your suspension will void the warranty of your suspension. After all, if you don't have your stock shocks/springs on your car, how are they supposed to warranty it? MB does not warranty aftermarket parts, however that does not mean that aftermarket parts void your warranty.
While obvious mods such as engine work would most likely be the cause of any engine problems, they would not automatically void the warranty. However, you would have a difficult time explaining how/why they didn't cause the problem (engine/drivetrain). If you do something minor like changing your muffler, unless it's a horrible muffler which does not allow your engine to breathe, you really have nothing to worry about as far as warranty is concerned.
While obvious mods such as engine work would most likely be the cause of any engine problems, they would not automatically void the warranty. However, you would have a difficult time explaining how/why they didn't cause the problem (engine/drivetrain). If you do something minor like changing your muffler, unless it's a horrible muffler which does not allow your engine to breathe, you really have nothing to worry about as far as warranty is concerned.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Well reasoned Ben, - muffler mod: maybe.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&pagenumber=2
Let me draw your attention to "section 2" of ref. thread re mods where Moderator/Attorney Drew states:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&pagenumber=2
Let me draw your attention to "section 2" of ref. thread re mods where Moderator/Attorney Drew states:
Mag-Moss was designed to give the consumer a way to get equal-footing with a
manufacturer ... by requiring the controversy to go to arbitration first, then to
the federal courts.
Ever try to negotiate to change parts of the warranty that came with your car?
Me neither ...
manufacturer ... by requiring the controversy to go to arbitration first, then to
the federal courts.
Ever try to negotiate to change parts of the warranty that came with your car?
Me neither ...
