Danger of removing Spring Pads
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 193
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From: Alameda, CA
1991 SC Miata, 1999 W210 Estate Wagon, 2014 W212 Sport Wagon
Danger of removing Spring Pads
Well, in order for my front and rear ride height to be more or less the same (actually, the front is still lower by 1/2 inch), I took off the rear spring pads in hopes that I can shave some material off, but from the looks of it, if I shear off even 3/4 of an inch then I'd already be on the springs. So I decided to remove the rear spring pad altogether.
Aside from the metal-to-metal rubbing on the top, is there any other danger to leaving them off? As far as I can tell, there is no difference aside from the height change.
Aside from the metal-to-metal rubbing on the top, is there any other danger to leaving them off? As far as I can tell, there is no difference aside from the height change.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 7
From: Alameda, CA
1991 SC Miata, 1999 W210 Estate Wagon, 2014 W212 Sport Wagon
Mark, I didn't notice any. I even drove the car agressively trying to pitch it sideways (hahaha... can you imagine doing that on a wagon). No noise, as far as I can tell.
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From: Northeast
e300d
ron, can't you select a thinner pad? Personally, i wouldn't be running without the isolator pads in place. They're in there for a reason.
I bought a new set a few weeks ago...they were less than $10 for the pair.
I bought a new set a few weeks ago...they were less than $10 for the pair.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 669
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From: North Bay Area, California
2001 E320
To me, it sure seems like the pads are there for more than one reason. (Ride-height being one of them.) Doesn't seem like the best idea to have metal-to-metal contact in an area that takes some harsh bounces and impacts. Eveb a thin rubber pad would help absorb some of the impacts, as opposed to no pad.
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From: Northeast
e300d
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From: durban. south africa
02 W203 C32 AMG, 00 W202 AMG, 98 W202 C23K, 98 W202 3.0T, 97 W202 C23T, 93 W201 AMG
guys i couldnt help but notice this pad issue that you guys keep speakin of.
i've got a E36 AMG, the front is higher than the rear..
i want to lower the front... what must i do?
where can i find these pads on the car?
where can attain new ones?
help a brutha out.....
i've got a E36 AMG, the front is higher than the rear..
i want to lower the front... what must i do?
where can i find these pads on the car?
where can attain new ones?
help a brutha out.....
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
using the SEARCH feature.....
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Northeast
e300d
The pads help attain the desired ride height. The pad thickness works on a point system that's dictated by the options the vehicle is built with. The more options, the thicker the pads.
The springs are removed and the pads come out. Thicker or thinner pads may be selected based upon which direction you want to go (lower or higher
).We pay ~ $US10 for a pair of pads.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 193
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From: Alameda, CA
1991 SC Miata, 1999 W210 Estate Wagon, 2014 W212 Sport Wagon
You guys win. I bought a pair of 5mm rear pads, but won't get them until after X-mas.
BTW, my dealer charged me $10..... EACH. :P
BTW, my dealer charged me $10..... EACH. :P
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 36
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From: Blue Point NY
1998 E320 4-Matic
keep in mind, most "normal" vehicles just have metal to metal contact on their coil springs. In my opinion, I would choose to use a spring pad just based on the fact when someone looks under the car and notices their missing, it undoes any credibility of your repairs/modifications, and your knowledge as a mechanic in general. But if I was in your situation I would probably leave them out, because who cares what anyone else thinks anyway 
Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 228
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From: So Cal
CLK55 Cabrio
spring pad change
Can any of you tell me how difficult it is to do the pad exchange? I put the 5mm pads on my car and it sits too low for my taste with the Euro springs. So I order the next size up from Europe to raise it a hair.
Thanks
Thanks
