SNSMBZ W124

Hi all!

So, as some of you know, I've done a good amount of maintaining and restoring this car. I just need a few things to do, so I'm going to list them here and gather your opinions...

1. A/C Compressor is out: What is the most inexpensive way to fix this?

2. Rear window Liner is bad and leaking in rain water: What is the most inexpensive way to fix that?

And...

3. Suspension: Okay! I know this is a big topic in this forum... Let me put it this way, I don't want to spend a fortune, but I would like a quality suspension. I'm even thinking of dropping the car a little. Thoughts?


Please give me your opinions or link me to the right direction. Thanks!!

ps2cho

Well you can always cut your suspension for free. Its safe as long as you don't go crazy. A small drop would be fine. All I understand with this is if your shocks are really worn, the ride can be bouncy. I have a DIY on shock/strut change in my sticky at the top.

As for A/C compressor...Are you sure its dead? Have you checked freon level, pressure switch, and klima relay?

SNSMBZ W124

Ya, the shocks are done. The front shocks went first, about 2 years ago. I replaced them with Monroe's w/ myself & a friend Mazda mechanic, lol. and I've been regretting that decision ever since. When I took the car to my longtime mechanic, he out sold me out of the new shocks I just put on. He's all about going with stock replacement equipment. Now that the rear shocks are going out, I want to get a totally new after-market suspension system.

What shocks do you guys suggest? and...
Do I need to get new coils also, or just the shocks?

Excellent you brought this up! Because, I don't know. My mechanic told me it was the compressor that is bad.

ps2cho, how can I check the 3 things you suggested to look at?

ps2cho

Well to check freon level...you really need an A/C pressure gauge set...

To jump the pressure switch just touch the two connectors together and "technically" the compressor should start. Turn it off immediately though because you probably have no oil in the system.

If your mechanic said its toast then he probably tested using the pressure switch. Unless he is a really experienced w124 guy, he probably did not check the Klima relay.

I can recommend the Bilstein set...and so will every other person. They are a great alternative option to the stock and come with lifetime warranty on em. Only thing is that what I have noticed it will increase your ride height by about 1-1.5in so you'll need to drop the car to make it sit right again. I'm very happy with my Bilstein comforts.

SNSMBZ W124

sounds good! ill check it out when i get home this evening. hopefully i can bring it back from the dead. zombie a/c


Does anyone have link to a thread with a good after-market suspension discussion? i'm having trouble finding one.

SNSMBZ W124

niice! ive done a little searching, and i found 3 options; HD, Comfort & Sport.
I'm thinking Comfort or Sport. Leaning towards sport because I drive my car fast & hard. I don't scare from taking a turn fast. What do you think?

Link to website Im looking at.

CDP

I'll make it simple for you. lol

Choose your springs of choice and go with Bilstein sports. No point in getting HD or Comforts.

SNSMBZ W124

Your the Man Pham!!!!

SNSMBZ W124

can you point me in the right direction on where to look?