Spring pads and bump steer
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 100
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
Spring pads and bump steer
Hi Folks,
The Cab project is coming along slow but sure. been restoring while driving our 02 coupe.
Most recently replacing steering drag link and lower control arms.
I was struggling to keep the car in a nice straight line while commuting and while carving twisties and round a bouts the car was a blast to drive. As the control arm bushing continued to fall apart the car was getting hard to hold straight on a hard launch.
All is fixed now only drawback is the car does not handle as well through the twisties at low speed.
The car gained ride height and ride quality is much smoother.
I am thinking a smaller spring pad in the front might give me the best of both worlds again.
Anyone experiment with W208 AMG spring pads? hmmm
Soon to follow is camber arms for the rear hopefully reducing tire wear and getting off the line safer and faster.
Merry Christmas, All the Best
Gator
The Cab project is coming along slow but sure. been restoring while driving our 02 coupe.
Most recently replacing steering drag link and lower control arms.
I was struggling to keep the car in a nice straight line while commuting and while carving twisties and round a bouts the car was a blast to drive. As the control arm bushing continued to fall apart the car was getting hard to hold straight on a hard launch.
All is fixed now only drawback is the car does not handle as well through the twisties at low speed.
The car gained ride height and ride quality is much smoother.
I am thinking a smaller spring pad in the front might give me the best of both worlds again.
Anyone experiment with W208 AMG spring pads? hmmm
Soon to follow is camber arms for the rear hopefully reducing tire wear and getting off the line safer and faster.
Merry Christmas, All the Best
Gator
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 169
From: Portland, Oregon
2019 Jeep Trackhawk, 2002 CLK55, 2014 911 Carrera
When I pulled a bunch of weight out of my CLK the ride height went up substantially, so I cut the coils to bring it back down to where I want it. It's a pretty easy job and I've been very happy with the results.
https://stumptownbenz.com/lowering-the-clk/
https://stumptownbenz.com/lowering-the-clk/
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 100
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
When I pulled a bunch of weight out of my CLK the ride height went up substantially, so I cut the coils to bring it back down to where I want it. It's a pretty easy job and I've been very happy with the results.
https://stumptownbenz.com/lowering-the-clk/
https://stumptownbenz.com/lowering-the-clk/
I have taken a coil out before but not on Benz.
I may source a set of number one pads after the holidays to keep the car riding good.
I remember when the spring gets shorter it gets stiffer.
Cheers
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 169
From: Portland, Oregon
2019 Jeep Trackhawk, 2002 CLK55, 2014 911 Carrera
That is true; they do get stiffer when you remove coils, but I'd be surprised if you could feel a difference if it was only 1/4-1/2 coil, but who knows.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 321
Likes: 17
2000 ML55 AMG 2001 CLK55 AMG coupe 2002 CLK55 AMG Cabriolet 2025 BMW M2 6MT
+1 on this as I've seen both sides as well. People with cut springs saying they're great as well as the smaller pad/euro spring argument.
my initial thoughts were to do smaller pad and euro spring to keep my "stockish" theme going, but then it seemed to much trouble to even try and get either now (more so than Euro cats for e46 M3 difference was there was a guy who stocked em in Jersey)
so my questions are... where can I get the #1 pad and euro springs? Cause that would be my first choice.
next would be...how exactly do you cut springs? Cause that's a hooptie style thing I'm not familiar with and finally
since I believe KW no longer carries a coil over suspension kit for coupe and BC/ no one else I know of makes coils for the 55 coupe
does adding airbag suspension eliminate the springs?
I messed up one of my spring perched a little and have been afraid to drive it. I created a thread but no one really commented. Tax season is coming up and looking to figure out rear poly full suspension bushing/wrap front bumper and finally shocks and struts and car will be complete.
thanks!
my initial thoughts were to do smaller pad and euro spring to keep my "stockish" theme going, but then it seemed to much trouble to even try and get either now (more so than Euro cats for e46 M3 difference was there was a guy who stocked em in Jersey)
so my questions are... where can I get the #1 pad and euro springs? Cause that would be my first choice.
next would be...how exactly do you cut springs? Cause that's a hooptie style thing I'm not familiar with and finally
since I believe KW no longer carries a coil over suspension kit for coupe and BC/ no one else I know of makes coils for the 55 coupe
does adding airbag suspension eliminate the springs?
I messed up one of my spring perched a little and have been afraid to drive it. I created a thread but no one really commented. Tax season is coming up and looking to figure out rear poly full suspension bushing/wrap front bumper and finally shocks and struts and car will be complete.
thanks!
